January 30, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Registration is open to clarinetists of all ages and abilities for the sixth annual UAB Clarinet Retreat, March 1-2, in the UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Center, 950 13th St. S. Registration is $50; deadline for registration is Feb. 26. The weekend features recitals, rehearsals and master classes with clinicians as well as a final concert. Two recitals and a final concert will be free and open to the public. For information or to register, contact retreat coordinator and UAB associate professor of clarinet Denise Gainey, D.M.A., at clarinet@uab.edu or call 205-975-0558.

Clinics include instrument maintenance, literature, contemporary techniques and master classes. Guest artist is Richard MacDowell, D.M.A., professor of clarinet at the University of Texas-Austin. MacDowell has taught and performed throughout the United States and abroad. His study and degrees are from the Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory, Northwestern University and Florida State University. Clinicians for the weekend include Gainey; MacDowell; Diane Barger, D.M.A., clarinet professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Robert Janssen, D.M.A., clarinet professor at The Alabama School of Fine Arts; and Judy Donaldson of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

A potpourri recital featuring The Alabama Clarinet Ensemble, Janssen, Donaldson and the UAB Clarinet Choir is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 1, in the UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. S. Gainey and MacDowell will perform a recital at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in the Hulsey Recital Hall, assisted by Dale Reynolds of the UAB Department of Music. A final recital featuring all retreat participants is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, in the Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. S. All three recitals are free and open to the public. Call 205-975-0558 for more information.