Clarinet at Arts Academy

Why Study Clarinet at Interlochen

The clarinet possesses a remarkable range of expression, easily transitioning from dark and mysterious to bright and joyous. Here, you'll develop the skills to command every shade of the clarinet's tonal palette, explore a diverse solo and ensemble repertoire, and unlock your instrument's full potential.

What You’ll Learn

Regardless of what your goals are or where your interests lie, you will find a warm welcome at our boarding school for clarinet, Interlochen Arts Academy. You'll become part of a rich clarinet tradition and experience the necessary preparation for a bright future in music.

You can choose from six music programs that fit your interests. All our students enjoy private lessons and studio classes, as well as large and small ensemble work, with assignments made for your skills and needs. Our exceptional instructors will work with you on instrumental control and musical expression. You'll develop awareness of your technical gaps and find the best approach to address them.

How to Apply

Audition Requirements

Karen Benda, D.M.A.

Instructor of Clarinet, Instructor of Alexander Technique

Emil Khudyev

Instructor of Clarinet

Alexander Fiterstein, Johns Hopkins University and Interlochen Arts Academy alumnus
Richie Hawley, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University
Ramon Wodkowski, renowned mouthpiece craftsman and Interlochen Arts Academy alumnus
Gabi Campos-Zamora, Minnesota Orchestra and Interlochen Arts Academy alumna

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Clarinet students will have multiple performance opportunities with our orchestra, wind symphony, and chamber ensembles, including reed trios, clarinet quartets, and woodwind quintets. Please see our Explore Ensembles section below.

Woodwind Seminar Class

Our clarinet students experience a one-of-a-kind woodwind seminar class where they're instructed by other leading instrumental educators. A course most arts high schools and even higher-education institutions do not provide.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios—which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus—multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Chamber

Assembled at the faculty's discretion, chamber music ensembles are offered as electives in the Music division. Each ensemble is coached by one of the Arts Academy's acclaimed instrumental faculty.

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Orchestra

A recipient of the American Prize, the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra performs an advanced repertoire that includes symphonies, concerti, contemporary works, and original compositions.

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Wind Symphony

The American Prize-winning Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony presents a diverse and challenging repertoire in regular live, prerecorded, and public radio performances.

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Contemporary

Interlochen Arts Academy’s multiple contemporary music ensembles foster collaboration, musicianship, and stagecraft through regular rehearsal and performance opportunities.

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Not only did I hone my clarinet skills, I made friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. I got to play in an orchestra of such high caliber, explore great orchestral repertoire, and meet amazing faculty, mentors, and idols. I was immersed in the best training I have ever had.

Johnny To '20, Arts Academy (Music)