Experience the history and evolution of the Clarinet!

September 16, 2023 at Schmitt Music Bloomington

Historical Clarinet Day celebrates the rich history of the clarinet from inception to modern day. The Clarinet Gallery invites you to view and learn about some unique clarinets with historical significance, and hear from our guest presenter Dr. Deborah Reeves of the National Music Museum. She will bring in several clarinets from the archives at the National Music Museum in Vermillion, SD, and will provide short demonstrations on each. 

While you’re here, don’t forget to sign up for our pro-line accessory Clarinet giveaway at the end of the day!

Schedule of events

12 PM: lecture, demonstration and Q&A with Dr. Deborah Reeves.

1:15 – Matthew Vance of Buffet Crampon

2:15 – Scott Winkler, Master Craftsman

Then, explore the Clarinet Gallery and historical instrument displays.

Deborah Check Reeves is an Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where she recently retired from the National Music Museum as Curator of Education and Woodwinds. She had the privilege to work with the more than 1500 clarinets in the NMM collections. Since 1999 she has written more than 85 articles for The Clarinet including those of her quarterly column “Historically Speaking.”

She received her DMA in clarinet performance and pedagogy from the University of Iowa where she was a student of Tom Ayres who first introduced her to the fact that the clarinet didn’t always look the way it looks today. In 2020, the Ayres collection of clarinets was donated to the NMM. Dr. Reeves continues to play in the Sioux City (IA) Symphony Orchestra, and continues to direct the NMM’s gamelan performance ensemble, Tatag.

Deborah Check Reeves is an Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where she recently retired from the National Music Museum as Curator of Education and Woodwinds. She had the privilege to work with the more than 1500 clarinets in the NMM collections. Since 1999 she has written more than 85 articles for The Clarinet including those of her quarterly column “Historically Speaking.”

She received her DMA in clarinet performance and pedagogy from the University of Iowa where she was a student of Tom Ayres who first introduced her to the fact that the clarinet didn’t always look the way it looks today. In 2020, the Ayres collection of clarinets was donated to the NMM. Dr. Reeves continues to play in the Sioux City (IA) Symphony Orchestra, and continues to direct the NMM’s gamelan performance ensemble, Tatag.

Interested in attending? RSVP today!