Steel City Clarinet collaboration

Imagine bringing together over 100 people who all share the same passion … playing the clarinet. On Saturday, August 23, 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.

A highlight of clarinet day is the opportunity to perform in a masterclass and in one of the clarinet choirs. One Seneca Valley (SV) instrumental student, Miss Ella K., performed with the Advanced Clarinet Choir. In addition, Ella performed in the masterclass and had the opportunity to work with the guest clinician Shannon Kiewitt, a clarinetist with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Ella K., a junior at Seneca Valley and a member of the SV Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band stated, “I was so grateful to take part in the masterclass run by Gunnery Sergeant Kiewitt at Clarinet Day. I learned so much and had a blast the whole time.”

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, two Seneca Valley alumni were part of the SCCD event as well. Bekah Heltzell (SV Class of ’22) and Paityn Armstrong (SV Class of ’24) are both clarinet majors at Slippery Rock University and study with Dr. Morrison. They were involved in many aspects of the day, including performing in the final concert with the Advanced Clarinet Choir.