Music brought students from all around the state to ULM this past week for a single day. The Louisiana Clarinet Symposium recital took place at the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall on Jan. 20. 

Professor Denise Gainey, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham presented as the featured guest artist and presenter. Accompanied by a group of select clarinet players, Gainey hosted a masterclass for ULM students. The masterclass consisted of a clarinet clinic and choir reading session before concluding with a performance by Gainey herself. Clarinet players of all skill levels were invited to participate.

Some students outside of VAPA attended the recital to get a taste of performing arts from an outsider’s perspective. Senior management major Amber Landrum enjoyed hearing some unique music on her day off.

“Although I am not a VAPA student, I like to watch some of the recitals on campus,” Landrum said. “I thought it was fun not only to hear the music but also to learn about the clarinet, even if I don’t play.”

The Louisiana Clarinet Symposium is a group collaboration of five universities including ULM from all over the state.

 The clarinet players have traveled to several locations to perform their works and encourage other students to try out their beloved instrument.

Gainey’s symposium is just one of the many concerts and recitals open to ULM students at now cost.     

Director of Visual and Performing Arts Nicholas Bratcher believes these performances give students more insight into a practical application of performing as a future professional.

“Even if you’re not a music major, we encourage students to attend our recitals to be exposed to different types of music and become lifelong supporters and listeners,” Bratcher said.

Organizers announced that the symposium will return to participating universities next year.

“The 2024 Symposium was such a blast,” Malena McLaren, event organizer, said. “Thank you to the collaborating professors, and keep an eye out for next year’s information.”