A Southeast Missouri State University faculty member, current student and alumna recently performed at the International Clarinet Association (ICA) ClarinetFest 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Dr. Gabrielle Baffoni, associate professor of single reeds, Southeast senior Jennifer Hunt, 1999 Southeast alumna Rebecca Hill joined professional performers, university professors and students, as well as private teachers and pre-college students for the yearly conference hosted by the worlds professional organization for clarinet performers and educators.

The conference consisted of lectures, recitals and competitions, and the Southeast Clarinet Trio performed a piece written by Southeast alumnus Kass May, a 2018 graduate with a major in music composition.

This years conference theme Embracing the World was highlighted by speakers including ICA Artistic Director Victor Chavez Jr. and the IC Artistic Leadership Team consisting of Gary Sperl, Robert Walzel, Vanguel Tangarov and Jessica Harrie. Additionally, the conference featured performances by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, among others.

From left to right are Southeast senior Jennifer Hunt; Dr. Gabrielle Baffoni, associate professor of single reeds; 1999 Southeast alumna Rebecca Hill; and 2018Southeast alumnus Kass May.

The conference and their performance were a great opportunity to showcase Southeasts talented musicians and provide a professional experience for Southeast students to hone their craft, Baffoni said.

For our students this is a hugely valuable opportunity to hear or participate in performances and masterclasses, try equipment and materials, and experience the level of performance and scholarship thats happening on the national and international stage, she said.

For Hunt, attending professional performers recitals and being able to perform herself was very significant, she said.

I was able to see professional performers from across the U.S. and the world, and I was also able to showcase the work that is being done here at Southeast, Hunt said. I learned more about the great talent that exists outside of our community and I will use this to further motivate me in my music studies here at Southeast.