The International Clarinet Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Brannen, renowned clarinet repair technician in Illinois.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Bill Brannen began Brannen Woodwinds in Chicago in 1967 before moving to a shop in Evanston, Illinois in 1970. Brannen studied with Frank Kaspar, who championed Bill’s expert repair skills. Bill’s wife Linda has also been repairing instruments since 1972, and she also manages the daily operations of Brannen Woodwinds. Clarinetists flocked to Bill’s shop to have their clarinets “Brannenized” and customized to fit their performance demands.
Let us celebrate the life and legacy of this respected musician and master craftsman.
A complete tribute will appear in an upcoming issue of The Clarinet.
