Each year the NIU Clarinet Cornucopia features outstanding guest artist performances and master classes around a central theme. Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin clarinetists of all ages and abilities come together for learning, camaraderie and fun.
The Cornucopia Clarinet Choir provides an opportunity for everyone to perform. Various sessions address topics such as music for the clarinet, practice techniques, equipment and auditions. Vendors come with the latest equipment for clarinetists to try.
The Clarinet Cornucopia is hosted by Greg Barrett, NIU clarinet faculty, with assistance from the students in the NIU Clarinet Studio and the Office of External Programs.
Burt Hara, Minnesota Orchestra and Patrick Sheehan, director of the Cornucopia Choir gave us a wonderful day.
Master class participants Steve Gooden, Xavier Fisher, Harry Choin, Amanda Kayser and Calla Olson with Burt Hara and host Greg Barrett.
Conductor, composer and arranger Patrick Sheehan with the Cornucopia Choir rehearsing Hector Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique.
Eli Eban, Indiana University and Principal Clarinet Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, was the guest artist for a day devoted to 19th century German and Danish music.
Mikko Raasakka, principal clarinet of the Jyväskylä Sinfonia, Finland, was the guest artist.
Mikko Raasakka (front row, left) taught a master class.
The Cornucopia Choir played Jukka Tiensuu's "Vento."
Composer Chris Renk's commissioned clarinet duet was performed in the duet competition.
Steve Cohen from Northwestern University's School of Music joined mime artists T.Daniel and Laurie Willetts for music, mime, motion, and dance.
We explored the operatic side of the clarinet and its literature with Lyric Opera of Chicago principal clarinetist Charlene Zimmerman.
The 2006 Cornucopia featured music of Mozart. The guest artist was Russ Dagon, Milwaukee Symphony and Northwestern University (retired).
The 2005 NIU Clarinet Cornucopia featured Karl Leister, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (retired).
Clarinet music from Japan was the focus in 2004. Guests were John Bruce Yeh, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Clarinet Quartet of the US Air Force Band of Mid-America.
John Bruce Yeh coaching a student in the masterclass.
Michael Lowenstern, David Etheridge, Greg Barrett and Lawrie Bloom following their performance of Schindelmeisser's Concerto for Four Clarinets and Orchestra with the NIU Wind Ensemble.
Featured guest artists were James Campbell, Indiana University, Rich Corpolongo, jazz clarinetist, and Michele Gingras, Miami University of Ohio, and her Klezmer group, the Cincinnati Klezmer Project.
