Clariperu: VI Taller para Clarinetistas Jóvenes

Photo: Giulianna Casas

I had the greatest opportunity to return to Lima, Peru to teach masterclasses and direct the large clarinet ensemble at Clariperu's VI Taller para Clarinetistas Jóvenes. This masterclass was sponsored by Buffet Crampon, Vandoren, Barkley, and the Escuela de la Música at Póntifica Universidad de la Católica de Perú. The masterclass was from February 20-25, 2017.

It was a week I could not forget! The days began with group discussions about the different aspects of clarinet performance that were team taught by Marco Mazzini and I. We had a fantastic assistant who helped us with the beginner students, Liz. Afterwards, the students were separated into different groups according to their experience where Marco and I taught group lessons. Throughout the afternoon, I conducted the large clarinet ensemble of over seventy students from all of Perú and abroad. It was also an extremely valuable experience for me also. I had to teach all of the classes in Spanish. We performed two final concerts to close the program, which included Marco's arrangements of Piolicha, Cilulo, and La Bikina.

It was truly an inspirational week to work with such dedicated students. Their pursuit and thirst for knowledge alone was inspiring. My genuine hope is that all of the students were able to take the best things from the masterclass and continue their musical journey in life.