The problems teachers face yearly with woodwinds can fall into five general categories: pitch, tone, response, mechanical, and “other mysterious annoyances.” This clinic generally follows the outline of “Woodwind Instruments: Purchasing, Maintenance, Troubleshooting and More,” (West et al, pub. by Meredith Music Publications/Hal Leonard), selecting the most common and more mystifying issues, offering strategies and solutions in detail for successful woodwind teaching and performance.
Charles West
- Biographical Information
Charles West is a woodwind specialist and an orchestral, chamber and solo clarinetist, performing recitals or concertos throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Asia. He appears regularly in international venues as clarinetist, lecturer or conductor, and he has recorded repertoire ranging from standard sonatas to avant-garde on labels including Klavier, Wilson Audiophile, Centaur, CRI and Crystal. He is heard on a Grammy Award-winning Telarc CD and heard and seen in Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning movie, Lincoln. A student of Himie Voxman, West holds the Doctorate and three other university degrees. He has been a Fulbright Scholar and has taught in three North American universities, with nearly thirty years as Principal Clarinetist in six different professional orchestras and opera companies. He has had guest residencies and professorships in South America, Asia, and Australia throughout his career. He is Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he has been Coordinator of Winds & Percussion, and received the VCU School of the Arts’ highest faculty award, the Award of Excellence. He has been Conductor of Orchestras and opera conductor at Virginia Commonwealth University, Conductor of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, and is currently conductor of the Youth Orchestra of Central Virginia. His books, “The Woodwind Player’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Performance,” “Woodwind Methods, An Essential Resource for Educators, Conductors and Students,” and “Woodwind Instruments, Purchasing, Maintenance, Troubleshooting and More” are published by Meredith Music Publications. He is a Buffet Crampon performing artist and in 2020 receives Honorary Membership in the International Clarinet Association.