Five Minute Interview: ICA Executive Director of Operations Evan Lynch
What is your current position?
Executive Director of Operations
Who have been your biggest influences in clarinet?
My biggest influences in clarinet have primarily been my teachers, Caroline Hartig, Robert Spring, David Odom, Jeremy Reynolds, and Sandy Geraci Weber. In recent years, I have had the great fortune of meeting many amazing clarinetists and they all inspire me to keep improving my craft.
How long have you been a member of the ICA?
Well, like many ICA members, I first joined when I was an undergraduate student, but then unfortunately let my membership lapse for several years… I have been a consistent member since 2014 when I attended my first ClarinetFest®.
How long have you played the clarinet?
I have been playing the clarinet since I was 8, so 23 years now.
What do you love the most about the clarinet?
I love everything about the clarinet! But if I had to choose one thing, it would be the versatility the instrument holds to so easily play in many diverse genres.
Why do you think every clarinetist should be a member of the ICA?
The ICA is the preeminent organization for clarinet in the world. The programs we support help advance the instrument itself, individual performers, music repertoire, and all of our vendors. The ICA is also a non-profit organization, so the amount of good we’re able to do for the clarinet is directly porportional to the amount of dues paying members we have.
What is your favorite piece for clarinet?
Hands down, the Mozart Clarinet Concerto.
What do you find the most challenging about the clarinet?
Not that I feel like I have completely mastered the clarinet now, but looking back at my education, there were many times where I made a break-through and felt great about my playing, only to tackle a new issue and feel like I was learning to play from scratch all over again. A sort of three steps forward, two steps backwards. It was indeed frustrating, but my teachers knew how to encourage me the right way at the right times.
What are your tips for clarinetists?
Listen to your teachers. Always. And be open minded.
What is a clarinet recording that you recommend?
There are too many great recordings to list here. I encourage my students to listen to various professional recordings of pieces and identify what they like and dislike about each recording.
