Walter Grabner's ClarinetXpress - Mouthpieces, and More

991 Wildwood Lane

Highland Park, IL 60035

Walter@clarinetxpress.com

My Bio

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, I attended the University of Toledo, and the University of Michigan. At U of M, I had the pleasure of studying under John Mohler, a wonderful gentleman from whom I learned much.

Leaving Michigan with my Master's, I took the position of Instructor of Woodwinds at Heidelberg University in Tiffin Ohio. I thoroughly enjoyed my 10 years there, and have many fond memories. I was also fortunate in winning the 3rd/bass clarinet chair in the Toledo Symphony. While in the TSO, I performed with the Symphony Wind Quintet, giving 50 or more programs per year to school children and seniors. I also performed as principal clarinet, and a frequent soloist, with the Toledo Concert Band (a fully professional wind ensemble in continuous operation since 1957). Very active as a free lance musician, I also performed many times in orchestras for the Toledo Opera Association, the Toledo Chorale Society, and the Toledo Ballet.

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While I was in Toledo, renowned clarinetist David Shifrin began his tenure at University of Michigan, and the following year became Principal Clarinet with the Toledo Symphony. I was able to study with Mr. Shifrin, and to perform in the symphony as his assistant/associate. This was a tremendous period of musical growth for me. Thank you, David, for all the help and encouragement you gave me.

Mr. Shifrin also encouraged me to study bass clarinet with the late Alfred Zetzer, a Bonade student, and life-long bass clarinetist with the Cleveland Orchestra during the magnificent Szell years.

For awhile, I became frustrated with the earning potential of a clarinet career, and left the profession to go into the software industry, eventually becoming Vice President or Regional Manager of several major software firms. It was a wonderful period of learning, travel, and growth.

However, I missed music too much. So, like Arnold in Terminator, "I'm BAAAAACK!!"

I maintain a private studio, and play in several regional orchestras. Currently I play principal clarinet with the Skokie Valley Symphony (now sadly no longer operating after 60 wonderful years) and appear with other local orchestras, including the Evanston Symphony, the Park Ridge Symphony, the Highland Park Strings, and the Wheaton Symphony, to name a few, often on bass clarinet or Eb soprano clarinet.

I have appeared in recital at Heidelberg College, Lake Forest College, Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University, University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium, Northeastern Illinois University, and Oakton Community College.

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As a soloist I have performed with the Highland Park Symphonic Winds, the Skokie Valley Symphony, and the Sinfonietta Arts Chamber Orchestra.

Thank you for your support. It means a lot to me.

Look for me at ClarinetFest, and other clarinet related activities.

If you have a question about any of my products or services, please contact me. I am ALWAYS available to answer your questions. I am most easily contacted by e-mail.