3 selected for International Youth Wind Orchestra

Three University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music students have been selected to be members of the 2007 International Youth Wind Orchestra at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference July 8-15 in Killarney, Ireland. The orchestra is an ensemble of approximately 50 outstanding young musicians, ages 18 to 25, from around the world.

Kristi Michael, clarinetist and graduate student from Nashville, Tenn.; Julie Neal, clarinetist and graduate student from Springfield, Mo.; and Leigh Ann Singer, flutist and graduate student from Ottawa, Ill., were all selected for the orchestra. Following a week of rehearsals with conductors Glenn Price and Gerhard Markson and soloist Evelyn Glennie, the International World Youth Orchestra will perform for the conference on July 14.

"I am actually quite excited and pleased to have been chosen for such an elite group of musicians," Singer said. "I am looking forward to heading to Europe (Ireland) for the first time and to share my experiences of music with the other members. I am also excited to see two of my other colleagues earning this same honor."

The International Youth Wind Orchestra concert this year will include works by Joseph Schwantner and a world premiere commission by Ian Wilson sponsored by World Projects.

Michael is a master of music candidate in clarinet performance, where she studies with associate professor Diane Barger. She serves as co-principal in the UNL Chamber Orchestra, participates in the University Symphony Orchestra, and plays E-flat clarinet in the UNL Wind Ensemble. She holds bachelor of music and bachelor of music education degrees from Florida State University.

"I feel very honored to have been selected to be a part of this ensemble," Michael said. "I am especially excited to work with Evelyn Glennie, a widely known and respected percussionist. I imagine this trip will be one of the highlights of my early professional career."

Neal is also a master of music candidate in clarinet performance studying with Barger. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of music in clarinet performance from Florida State. She is principal of the UNL Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Opera Orchestra, and the Chamber Orchestra's inaugural season. Neal was also principal clarinet of the National Wind Ensemble in 2006, an honor by audition ensemble that performs at Carnegie hall each year.

Singer is in her second year of her master's program in music in flute performance, where she studies with John Bailey, Larson professor of flute. She received her bachelor of music education summa cum laude from Illinois State University. She has earned principal flute in UNL's Symphony Orchestra (2005-2006), Wind Ensemble (2006-2007) and Chamber Orchestra (2006-2007). She has also participated in masterclasses with many renowned flutists, such as Jimmy Walker, Alexa Still, Thomas Robertello and Ian Clarke.

"This will be an exciting adventure for Leigh Ann," Bailey said. "She is a very fine player and an excellent student, and I know she will benefit from the experience of traveling and playing with a whole new group of fine musicians." EDITOR: A color JPEG image of Leigh Ann Singer (left), Kristi Michael (center) and Julie Neal (right) is available for download at the University Communications FTP site (ftp://ucommxsrv1.unl.edu/downloadables/photo/20070208winds.jpg).

CONTACT: Kathe Andersen, Publications Coordinator, Fine and Performing Arts, (402) 472-9355