Report by Amanda McCandless
Noted performer and pedagogue Fred Ormand gave an interview-style talk for ClarinetFest® participants at 4:00 p.mm on Friday, August 5, 2016 in Inge Memorial Theater at the University of Kansas. Professor Ormand was interviewed by Robert Walzel, Dean of the University of Kansas School of Music. Ormand talked about his formative training as a clarinetist, his experience as an orchestral player, and his career as a clarinet professor. He discussed his teaching philosophy, which he compares to planting seeds in the minds of students: one teaches one small thing at a time and focuses on that thing until improvement is made. He also presented information about an upcoming book on clarinet playing. The chapters of this book include information about breathing, embouchure, hand position and finger movement, techniques for the aspiring clarinetist with exercises based on orchestral excerpts, and maintaining one’s equipment. Ormand offered anecdotes about his performing and teaching experience, and shared what he had experienced during his distinguished career with the next generation of clarinetists.
