“F” is for Foster
Wes Foster

“F” is for Foster

A faint pulse runs through Backun Musical Services. It’s not the day-to-day bustle or the constant hum of the massive CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines that manufacture Backun clarinets. It’...
Memories of Wes Foster
Daniel Bonade

Memories of Wes Foster

If not for Wes Foster, those of you performing on Backun products might never have had the chance. Allow me to explain… Wes and I both grew up in the greater Vancouver area. We both studied with a...
Benjamin Lulich: Coming Full Circle
Benjamin Lulich

Benjamin Lulich: Coming Full Circle

“Want to go to a Seattle Symphony concert with me?” I was surprised – such outings were usually full family events. This time, it would just be my brother Ben and me. “They’re playing Tchaik Five,...
In Their Own Words: Julianne Kirk Doyle & Raphael Sanders
Crane School of Music

In Their Own Words: Julianne Kirk Doyle & Raphael Sanders

Joel Jaffe: What was it that drew you to the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam? What keeps you there, knowing your talents allow you to teach anywhere you want? Raphael Sanders: Awesome studen...
Kalmen Opperman: A Legacy of Excellence (A Book Excerpt)
Denise Gainey

Kalmen Opperman: A Legacy of Excellence (A Book Excerpt)

Life Lessons I first met Kalmen Opperman because I wanted to research teaching methods to use with the students in my college studio (as part of a doctor of musical arts project). Through the year...
From Fundamentals to a Dark Roast
coffee

From Fundamentals to a Dark Roast

Richard Hawkins on the joy of teaching, and how coffee roasting and pottery are like his passion for the clarinet Richard Hawkins has converted his disused dining room into an espresso bar. “Roas...
How to Make Your Event Successful
events

How to Make Your Event Successful

Q&A WITH MARY ALICE DRUHAN What made you want to organize and host a clarinet event like the Texas Clarinet Colloquium? When I first moved to the northeast Texas area, I was the only full-ti...
Eddie Daniels on Eddie Daniels
doubling

Eddie Daniels on Eddie Daniels

I’m not a doubler, obviously.The word “doubler” used to be a negative. It’s like “jack of all trades, master of none.”I play a few instruments. I play the saxophone, I play the flute on occasion, ...