Clarinet Cornucopia is a festival for clarinetists who enjoy playing and learning about their favorite instrument and its extended world. Founded in 2002, Clarinet Cornucopia focuses on a different theme each year. This year's theme is Finnish Modern. Information and photographs from past Clarinet Cornucopias can be found at Gregory Barrett's website. All events take place in the Music Building on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE DAY
Clarinet Cornucopia Choir
All participants are invited to join the Clarinet Cornucopia Choir, which has become a popular tradition. Conductor Patrick Sheehan returns to lead rehearsals throughout the day and to conduct the group’s 8 p.m. concert. One large piece, Vento by Jukka Tiensuu, will be on the concert. It is for a clarinet choir of full instrumentation (except no E-flat sopranino clarinet). Assigned parts will be sent to you in advance as a pdf via email. Please let us know your preference for B-flat, basset horn, alto, bass, E-flat contra, or B-flat contra. Note your instrument on the registration form.
Performances
Recital: Mikko Raasakka, from Helsinki, Finland, performs a recital of modern Finnish clarinet music. Joining him is clarinetist Gregory Barrett, Associate Professor at NIU.
Concert: The Clarinet Cornucopia Choir, along with additional clarinet ensembles, will perform at 8 p.m.
Guest Ensembles: If your ensemble would like to be considered for performance at the 8 p.m. concert, contact Dr. Barrett by December 1.
Clarinet Duets – A COMPETITION!
Clarinet duos are invited to compete and perform. To compete, you must perform two selections:
Groups may enter in one of two categories, High School Age and Open (college-age and adult). There is an entry fee of $5 for each person in the duo. Winners receive a trophy and/or prize. The deadline to enter the competition is December 20, 2009.
Prizes have been donated by Rico Reeds.
Master Classes
Gain new insights into the art of the clarinet with Mikko Raasakka and Gregory Barrett. If you would like to perform in Dr. Barrett’s master class, send a CD, mp3 file, or cassette tape of you playing the repertoire you would like to play in the class. Send to Dr. Barrett by December 1.
Talk
Clarinet Reeds: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know, a talk by Mike Zucek, Rico Reeds.
Vendors
Beginning at 10 a.m., clarinet vendors will be on hand to answer questions and sell clarinet equipment and music.
Lunch
Box lunches with a choice of turkey or cheese sandwich, piece of fruit, cookie, chips, and bottle of water will be available for $8. Indicate your sandwich preference and the number of lunches you want to order on the registration form. A list of restaurants will be available at the registration table for those who prefer to make other plans.
A list of restaurants will be available at the registration table for those who prefer to make other plans.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hotel: A block of rooms has been reserved for the nights of January 22 and 23 for participants at the Holmes Student Center Guest Rooms on the campus of Northern Illinois University. The rooms cost about $65 (not including tax) for a single or double and may be reserved by calling (815) 753-1444 by January 15. Mention the name of the event to the desk clerk for this rate. For a list of other DeKalb and area hotels, call (815) 753-1450.
Registration: Print and complete the registration form and mail with your payment to: Office of External Programs, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115. Your form must be accompanied by your payment. You may pay by check (payable to Northern Illinois University) or credit card. A campus map is available on our website.
Questions? Call (815) 753-1450 or e-mail rpage@niu.edu.
FEES
Early Bird Fees (must be postmarked by December 20)
$50 per person
$40 per person for groups of five or more who register at the same time (each person must complete a registration form)
After December 20
$61 per person
$51 per person for groups of five or more who register at the same time (each person must complete a registration form)
Optional extras
$8 per box lunch
$5 per person for those competing in the Duet Competition
Note to people registering as a group: We need a completed registration form for each participant. Photocopy the form as needed for each person.
Note to those registering for the Duet Competition: Each individual is expected to register for the day. Be sure to list the name of the duet and/or the other members on the form and add an additional $5 to the registration fee when you are registering as a member of a competing ensemble.