This week on Saturday (April 13) 3-5PM we’ll be hosting a Saxquest clinic with world-renown clarinetist, Charles West. Often referred to as “the most recorded clarinetist in American Academia,” this is a rare and valuable opportunity to talk one-on-one and glean some insights from a truly world-class clarinetist.
As always, this event is FREE and OPEN to the public.
Charles West is an orchestral, chamber and solo clarinetist and a conductor, performing throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. His recorded repertoire ranges from standard sonatas to avant-garde, on labels which include Klaver, Wilson Audiophile, Centaur, CRI, Crystal and he is heard on a Grammy Award-winning 1993 Telarc CD.
West has been a Fulbright Scholar, and he has been President of the International Clarinet Association. His career has included nearly thirty years as Principal Clarinetist in six different professional orchestras and opera companies on two continents, and he has held teaching positions in three North American universities, with guest professorships in South America, Taiwan, Hong Kong, The People’s Republic of China and Australia. He has been Conductor of Orchestras and opera conductor at Virginia Commonwealth University, and has served as conductor or adjudicator throughout the U.S. During his seven-year tenure as Conductor of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, the orchestra became recognized regionally for its standard of excellence.
Dr. West is presently Professor of Music and Coordinator of Winds & Percussion at Virginia Commonwealth University, conductor of the Youth Orchestra of Central Virginia, and Artist-Clinician for the Buffet Crampon Corporation. In 2008 Meredith Music Publications published his book, “The Woodwind Player’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Performance,” and in 2011 the VCU School of the Arts awarded him its highest faculty honor, the Award of Excellence.