Seneca Valley students, staff and alumni join for Steel City Clarinet Day

Imagine bringing together over 100 people who all share the same passion … playing the clarinet. On Saturday, August 22, that is exactly what happened at the annual Steel City Clarinet Day (SCCD) which was held this year at Shaler Area Middle School. Dr. Amanda Morrison, Event Director and Professor of Clarinet at Slippery Rock University (SRU), sponsors this event each year which is open to clarinet players of all ages, from middle school through adult professionals. Each year Dr. Morrison brings in guest artists and performers along with local vendors, all in an effort to provide exciting learning opportunities and experiences for clarinet players of all ages.

A highlight of clarinet day is the opportunity to perform in an Advanced Clarinet Choir that is made up of high school and college students as well as adult amateur and professional players. This year, two SV Instrumental students Emma Galle and Madison Brown participated in the advanced clarinet choir.

Seneca Valley Instrumental teacher Sara Snyder was also involved in the Clarinet Day as one of the directors for the Intermediate Clarinet Choir. In addition to conducting the closing concert, Mrs. Snyder participated in a clinic with the younger students on fundamentals of clarinet playing that they could use as they begin the new school year.

This year, one Seneca Valley alumni were part of the SCCD event as well. Paityn Armstrong (SV Class of ‘24) is a clarinet major at Slippery Rock University and a member of Dr. Morrison’s Studio. Paityn was involved in many aspects of the day, including performing in the final concert with the Advanced Clarinet Choir.