Melissa Morales is a clarinetist and educator originally from the Greater New Orleans area currently working as a doctoral student at the University of Maryland studying under professor Robert DiLutis. She spent several years in Chicago, IL where she worked with several organizations including the Chicago Symphonic Winds as their Director of Education, The People's Music School as clarinet faculty and project manager where she worked closely with Artistic Director and President Jennifer Matsuzawa, and DePaul University where she served as an adjunct music education professor. She was a regular member of the Chicago Summer Opera from 2014-2016, and has performed with the Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet. In 2014 she was one of the winners of the 2014 Monroe Symphony League’s Marjorie Stricklin Emerging Artist Competition, and was a featured artist in the Trinity Presbyterian Young Artist Performance Series in New Orleans, LA. She has served as the assistant editor for the International Clarinet Association’s annual conference ClarinetFest® since 2014. Her publications can be found in their quarterly journal, The Clarinet. Prior to her graduate and professional pursuits in Chicago, IL, Morales worked as a public school teacher in St. Tammany Parish from 2011-2013 while maintaining an active private studio and performing with groups such as the St. Luke's Chamber Orchestra, the Five Reeds Trio, and soloing with several local band programs. Morales graduated with Distinction with her Masters from DePaul University in 2015, and Cum Laude from Louisiana State University in 2011 with her Bachelors in Music Education where she was also named the Chancellor’s School of Music Outstanding Student in 2008. Her primary instructors have been Julie DeRoche, Larry Combs, Wagner Campos, Stephen Williamson, James Byo, and Robert DiLutis.
Matt Rynes, DMA - Clarinet Performance
Matt Rynes is a freelance musician and teacher working the greater Baltimore/ Washington D.C. area. Born and raised in Baltimore, his aim as a performer is to engage the greater Mid-Atlantic area through a variety of musical styles from classical, jazz and contemporary chamber music. He began his clarinet studies in high school and attended Towson University on scholarship to study with Marguerite Leven and Edward Palanker. While at Towson, he won the Peggy Freidman-Gordon and Lieberman prizes for outstanding soloist and performed on several side-by-side concerts with members of the United States Navy Band, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Towson University faculty. Matt then attended the University of Michigan for his masters working with Chad Burrow and Daniel Gilbert. His playing was often featured as a principal clarinetist in the University of Michigan’s Symphony Band under Michael Haithcock and as a member of the clarinet section of the Symphony Orchestra under Kenneth Kiesler and Christopher Lees. Matt’s bass clarinet playing can be heard prominently on the Symphony Orchestra’s world premiere recording of Darius Milhaud’s “L’Orestie d’Eshcyle” (the Oresteia of Aeschylus) which was nominated for the “Best Opera Performance” Grammy in 2015 (Naxos Records). He also performed in masterclasses with Anthony McGill, Michael Wayne, Shannon Schott, Greg Oaks and Cecilia Kang. Since graduating from the University of Michigan, Matt has been a regular member of the Baltimore classical music scene performing with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Hunt Valley Symphony Orchestra and Towson University New Music Ensemble. Matt’s dedication to working with composers and performing new music has allowed him to work with several important young composers in the area like John Haggerty, Douglas Buchanan and Ruby Fulton. In a recent collaboration, he performed with jazz saxophonist Ellery Eskelin in a chamber piece written by the composer and trumpeter Dave Ballou as a part of the Towson University Jazz Residency 2016. Matt is also an accomplished jazz saxophonist and has been fortunate to study and perform with several of the greatest musicians in jazz and improvised music today. Through the Towson University Jazz Residency, he performed with Drew Gress, John Hollenbeck, Gerald Cleaver, Craig Taborn and Wadada Leo Smith, Bobby Shew, Dennis DiBlasio and Tim Hagans. His saxophone teachers include Andrew Bishop, Tony Malaby, Ellery Eskelin and Darryl Brenzel.
Natalie Groom, DMA - Clarinet Performance
Natalie Groom is currently clarinetist of the Wavelength Winds. A freelance musician, business consultant, and private instructor, she is a doctoral student studying with Robert DiLutis at the University of Maryland. A recent concerto competition winner, she performed Louis Spohr’s Concerto No. 1 with the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra in April 2017. Other solo appearances include Leonard Bernstein’s Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs and Duke Ellington’s Tiger Rag. This summer, Ms. Groom was accepted to the Henri Selmer Clarinet Academy on a Selmer-sponsored scholarship of the highest award. She previously attended the Miami Music Festival and Orford Centre d’Arts on scholarship as an orchestral, opera, and chamber musician. Additionally, she has performed in masterclasses with artists such as Philippe Berrod, David Krakauer, and the Imani Winds and conducted clinics and masterclasses herself at local institutions. Ms. Groom was clarinetist of the Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet (2013 – 2015), a group which competed in the 2014 MTNA Chamber Music Division National Finals and the 2015 Plowman Chamber Competition Semi-Finals. The quintet also served as university ambassadors to China during a three-week tour across twelve cities. This ensemble was integral in the Fox family’s decision to bestow a $20 million endowment to the UA School of Music, and the quintet was featured in press releases and a TV interview centered on the gift. Ms. Groom filled the role of ensemble manager during that year. Ms. Groom earned her M.B.A. and M.M. from the University of Arizona and a B.M. and double minor in Jazz Studies and Entrepreneurship from Kent State University. She studied with Jerry Kirkbride, Dennis Nygren, Amitai Vardi, and Jackie Glazier. During this time she served as a substitute in the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and principal of numerous ensembles while teaching Business Communications, Rock and American Popular Music, Clarinet Studio, and Clarinet Choir. She has received many awards, including the UMD Quintet Fellowship, UA Quintet Fellowship, Lee T. Hanley Memorial Scholarship, Timothy Hay Clarinet Scholarship, Roy D. Metcalf Musicianship Award, second prize in the Intel Case Competition, and second prize in the 2012 Business Concept Competition. A recent graduate of the Eller College of Management, Ms. Groom’s focus was on market research and data analytics. At her new home in Maryland, she looks forward to combining her passion for music and business in ways that enable the industry to thrive.
Natalie Groom is currently clarinetist of the Wavelength Winds. A freelance musician, business consultant, and private instructor, she is a doctoral student studying with Robert DiLutis at the University of Maryland. A recent concerto competition winner, she performed Louis Spohr’s Concerto No. 1 with the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra in April 2017. Other solo appearances include Leonard Bernstein’s Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs and Duke Ellington’s Tiger Rag. This summer, Ms. Groom was accepted to the Henri Selmer Clarinet Academy on a Selmer-sponsored scholarship of the highest award. She previously attended the Miami Music Festival and Orford Centre d’Arts on scholarship as an orchestral, opera, and chamber musician. Additionally, she has performed in masterclasses with artists such as Philippe Berrod, David Krakauer, and the Imani Winds and conducted clinics and masterclasses herself at local institutions. Ms. Groom was clarinetist of the Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet (2013 – 2015), a group which competed in the 2014 MTNA Chamber Music Division National Finals and the 2015 Plowman Chamber Competition Semi-Finals. The quintet also served as university ambassadors to China during a three-week tour across twelve cities. This ensemble was integral in the Fox family’s decision to bestow a $20 million endowment to the UA School of Music, and the quintet was featured in press releases and a TV interview centered on the gift. Ms. Groom filled the role of ensemble manager during that year. Ms. Groom earned her M.B.A. and M.M. from the University of Arizona and a B.M. and double minor in Jazz Studies and Entrepreneurship from Kent State University. She studied with Jerry Kirkbride, Dennis Nygren, Amitai Vardi, and Jackie Glazier. During this time she served as a substitute in the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and principal of numerous ensembles while teaching Business Communications, Rock and American Popular Music, Clarinet Studio, and Clarinet Choir. She has received many awards, including the UMD Quintet Fellowship, UA Quintet Fellowship, Lee T. Hanley Memorial Scholarship, Timothy Hay Clarinet Scholarship, Roy D. Metcalf Musicianship Award, second prize in the Intel Case Competition, and second prize in the 2012 Business Concept Competition. A recent graduate of the Eller College of Management, Ms. Groom’s focus was on market research and data analytics. At her new home in Maryland, she looks forward to combining her passion for music and business in ways that enable the industry to thrive.
Allison Satterwhite, MM - Clarinet Performance
Allison Satterwhite is a clarinetist and educator from Central Virginia, currently studying with Robert DiLutis in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Clarinet Performance. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from James Madison University, where her primary teachers included Janice L. Minor, Anastasia Christofakis, and Sarunas Jankauskas. While at James Madison, she performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and as the principal clarinetist of the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra, most notably at the Collegiate Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Conference, the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Conference, and the Interharmony International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy. Her clarinet playing has been featured in the world premiere performances of Vicious Cycle and Meditation and Awakening (for Band) by Eric Guinivan, and Jetpack by Jason Haney. Allison was also a finalist in the 2015 James Madison University Concerto Competition with her performance of Aaron Copland’s Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra, as well as the winner of the school’s mock orchestral auditions in 2016. She is currently working as a graduate assistant with the University of Maryland Athletic Bands as well as conducting with the University of Maryland University Band.
Allison Satterwhite is a clarinetist and educator from Central Virginia, currently studying with Robert DiLutis in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Clarinet Performance. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from James Madison University, where her primary teachers included Janice L. Minor, Anastasia Christofakis, and Sarunas Jankauskas. While at James Madison, she performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and as the principal clarinetist of the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra, most notably at the Collegiate Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Conference, the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Conference, and the Interharmony International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy. Her clarinet playing has been featured in the world premiere performances of Vicious Cycle and Meditation and Awakening (for Band) by Eric Guinivan, and Jetpack by Jason Haney. Allison was also a finalist in the 2015 James Madison University Concerto Competition with her performance of Aaron Copland’s Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra, as well as the winner of the school’s mock orchestral auditions in 2016. She is currently working as a graduate assistant with the University of Maryland Athletic Bands as well as conducting with the University of Maryland University Band.
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Patrick Lill, BM - Clarinet Performance Major
Patrick Lill is a sophomore at the University of Maryland studying clarinet performance under Robert Dilutis. He was principal clarinet of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra for three years and has performed as a soloist with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. Patrick has played with the Maryland All-State Band and Montgomery County Band. He has been playing clarinet for ten years and does photography in his free time.
Clifford Hangarter, BM – Clarinet Performance
Clifford Hangarter is a sophomore clarinet performance major at the University of Maryland. He is currently studying under Professor Robert DiLutis. He is originally from Waldorf, Maryland. Clifford has been playing the clarinet for 8 years, and he studied under Takako Mato for 6 years. He served as the principal chair clarinetist in the North Point High School Symphonic Band, the North Point High School Orchestra, and the Charles County All-County Honor Band. He has also participated in the Maryland All-State Honor Band. Clifford was in charge of a clarinet choir for two years at North Point High School. Clifford has also taken up composing, as he has composed a two pieces for band, an orchestra symphony, and several chamber pieces. Clifford attended Clarinet Academy of America this summer, where he performed in masterclasses with D. Ray McClellan and Reis McCullough; he also had a lessons with D. Ray McClellan and David Drosinos during Clarinet Academy of America.
Maddie Ferguson, BM - Clarinet Performance
Maddie Ferguson, from Buffalo New York, is attending University of Maryland to study clarinet performance under Professor Robert DiLutis along with Political Science/International Studies. Maddie first picked up the clarinet at the age of nine and immediately fell in love. Prior to college, her primary teachers were Mr. Chris Izzo and Mr. Robert Lehner. She was also fortunate to spend time studying under John Fullam, Kenneth Grant, Paul Demers, and Will Amsel. Maddie participated in the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra for three years. One of the most memorable times in her life has been the week she spent touring Italy with the ensemble, playing in beautiful and historic churches and venues. Some of Maddie’s other musical accomplishments include winning the position of principal clarinet in both the New York All-State Symphony Orchestra and New York All-State Symphonic Band, being awarded the Buffalo Philharmonic Scholarship, being selected for the Interlochen Wind Ensemble Festival, and being selected to attend the Eastman Music Horizons Summer Festival. In essence, Maddie just goes all out for any and every opportunity which involves spending time with fellow musicians and her clarinet! 
Kenny Wang, BM/BME - Clarinet Performance and Music Education
Kenny Wang is a freshman from Ellicott City, Maryland. He has studied clarinet for 9 years, and graduated from Mount Hebron High School, where he enjoyed participating in wind ensembles, in addition to jazz bands, pit orchestras, and marching band. He studied privately with Lori Fowser, studied chamber music with Anita Thesen at the Peabody Preparatory, and played in many local ensembles such as the Peabody Youth Orchestra, Peabody Wind Orchestra, and Maryland All-State Band and Orchestra. He is part of the Gemstone Honors Program and also enjoys playing the saxophone. |
Alex Gehring, BM - Clarinet Performance
Alex Gehring is a junior clarinet performance major studying with Robert DiLutis. He has played clarinet for 9 years, and studied first with Nicole Papadatos before he switched to David Drosinos. While in high school Alex participated in All-County ensembles, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's side-by-side program, All-state Band, and was the principal clarinet player for the Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra. He also has studied composition with Judah Adashi in, and piano with Ursula Frei.
Nathan Dorsey, BM - Clarinet Performance and Music Education
Nathan Dorsey of Bowie, Maryland is a jumior clarinet performance and music education major. Currently, he is studying under Robert DiLutis. Nathan began his musical instruction four years ago under Master Sergeant Frederick Vare of the United States Marine Band. Nathan attended high school at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. While there, he was active in their string and choral programs, and served as principal clarinetist in the SJC wind ensemble, SJC orchestra, and SJC regimental band. Nathan also participated in the Catholic University high school honor band, the Washington Archdiocesan Music Teachers Council honor bands and honor orchestra, and the 2014 WorldStrides Festival of Gold honor band in Chicago.
Ella Misangyi, BA - Clarinet Performance
Ella Misangyi is a sophomore studying clarinet performance under Robert DiLutis. She has been playing clarinet for 9 years, and graduated from the State College Area High School in State College, PA, where she was involved in the band, orchestra, and choral programs. She played in the PMEA All State Concert band in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and was a member of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra. Ella has served as the principal clarinetist in the SC High School Symphonic Band which competed at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival in Toronto in 2016. Playing tenor saxophone and clarinet, Ella has also performed with the SC Jazz Band throughout France, in the Jazz à Juan Festival in Nice, and Spain. Her senior year of high school, Ella taught lessons to multiple young clarinetists in the State College area.
Brooke Krauss, BM - Clarinet Performance and Music Education
Brooke Krauss is a freshman from Cecil County, Maryland and attended went to North East High School. She is a double major in music education and clarinet performance. Brook is following in the footsteps of her private clarinet instructor, Mandy Maruchi-Turner, who is a graduate of the UMD School of Music with a degree in Music Education. 
Kyle Glasgow, BM – Clarinet Performance
Kyle Glasgow is a freshman clarinet performance major from Alexandria, Virginia, and is currently studying under Professor Robert DiLutis. Throughout high school, Kyle participated in the Virginia District X and All State bands. He was also a member of The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra for three years, serving as principal for one. Kyle has studied at the Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School for Visual and Performing Arts and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. |
