Each year, the UNCG College of Visual and Performing Arts invites one distinguished alumnus from each of the four schools––art, music, theatre, and dance––to the campus to be honored and to interact with our community. This year, clarinetist Dr. John Cipolla was chosen as the music recipient, and as part of his visit, he gave a masterclass for the clarinet studio on Friday, November 4. He is a professor of clarinet and saxophone at Western Kentucky University, and in the class, he focused on clarinet fundamentals that he teaches on a daily basis in that position, sound, finger movement, and phrasing. He also talked about his experience of being a musician for Radio City Music Hall in New York City for the past 32 years. Thank you, John, for sharing with us! In the image below, Dr. Cipolla works with freshman performance student Kate Serbinowski (’20).

Congratulations to Anna Rafalowski (BFA candidate) who was accepted to the Penland Partnership Program for the summer of 2017!

Now in the Gatewood Gallery (527 Highland Avenue) through November 30th. Opening reception, November 4, 5pm – 8pm

ABOVE: Tracey Paddock articulates a teaching point to Alex Whitehead (BM performance, ’18).

The President’s Own Marine Band was in town for a concert on October 29 and since they are having a clarinet audition in November, Tracey Paddock offered a masterclass in the audition material and on the general process of auditioning for the elite band. She has been a member of The President’s Own since 1998. She share that her her own path to winning a position involved auditioning four times, and also explained that she has served several times in clarinet auditions in various capacities, including the “up close” role of audition proctor or assistant, sitting next to each auditioning candidate while they play. In the class, she spoke with much nuance about what skills the band looks for in clarinetists, and strategies for standing out in an audition. Thank you, Tracey, for sharing your perspective and that detailed advice!