2026 FCC Clarinet Day

APRIL 18, 2026 • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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2026 FCC CLARINET DAY
Featuring guest artist Dr. Blake Arrington and guest clinician Dr. Kathy Mulcahy

Calling all clarinetists! Join us for the second annual FCC Clarinet Day featuring U.S. Air Force Concert Band member and Backun artist Dr. Blake Arrington and George Mason University professor Dr. Kathleen Mulcahy. This event is open to clarinetists from sixth grade through adult. We recommend at least two years of experience on clarinet to play in the clarinet choirs.

Attendees will have the opportunity to play in clarinet choirs , attend clarinet workshops, and more. The day will be capped off with a recital by the participant clarinet choirs and Dr. Arrington.

Participation in 2026 FCC Clarinet Day is free of charge. There is an option to purchase a boxed lunch with sandwich, side, and dessert. Please see order form for details.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - Grade 9 and Younger

• 8:30 a.m. - Check in
• 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. - Opening recital
• 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. – Clarinet choir rehearsal with Ms. Gersten and Ms. Thomas
• 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Music games
• 11:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. - Soundpainting with Dr. Gersten
• 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. - Lunch
• 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. - Clarinet care with Ms. Thomas
• 1:40 to 3:00 p.m. - Clarinet Choir with Ms. Gersten and Ms. Thomas
• 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Checking out clarinet gear and outside time
• 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. - Clarinet choir and Guest Artist performance

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - Grade 10 and Older

• 8:30 a.m. - Check in
• 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. - Opening recital
• 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. – Clarinet choir rehearsal with Dr. Mulcahy
• 11:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. - Masterclass with Dr. Arrington
• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - Lunch and check out Duet with Music instruments
• 1:50 to 3:10 p.m. - Basic instrument repair with Anita Thomas, klezmer workshop with Dr. Gersten or check out Duet with Music instruments
• 3:20 to 4:20 p.m. - Clarinet choir rehearsals with Dr. Mulcahy
• 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. - Clarinet choir and Guest Artist performance

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION

• Participation in 2026 FCC Clarinet Day is free of charge.
• There is an option to purchase a boxed lunch with sandwich, side, and dessert.
• A $15.00 tax-deductible donation (per attendee) to the FCC Music Program is suggested. When clicking the link, a new window will open. Please select "Other" and then type "Music Scholarships and Program Support" when completing the form. Thank you!

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MEET BLAKE ARRINGTON

Guest Artist Blake Arrington is a clarinetist with The United States Air Force Concert Band in Washington, D.C. He is also the Bass and E-flat Clarinetist with the McLean Orchestra and the Arlington Philharmonic in Virginia. Prior to joining the Air Force in 2006, he was the Principal Bass & E-flat clarinetist with the Irving Symphony Orchestra in Irving, Texas. Blake has performed with the Plano Symphony Orchestra in Plano, Texas, and also served as the Principal Clarinet with Opera in the Ozarks.

Blake continues to garner attention for his instrument repair expertise in his capacity as the owner/operator of JBA Woodwinds. He studied repair with Ann MacMillan at the University of North Texas, Mark Jacobi in Philadelphia, and flute repair with David Straubinger. Blake repairs instruments for members of the National Symphony, D.C. area military bands, and musicians throughout the country.

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MEET KATHLEEN GARDINER MULCAHY

Guest Clinician Kathleen Gardiner Mulcahy is Director of Woodwinds and Associate Professor of Clarinet at George Mason University’s Dewberry School of Music. She performs frequently with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and National Symphony, and has held tenured positions with the Annapolis Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Grant Park Orchestra.

She is principal clarinetist with the Alexandria Symphony and Wolf Trap Orchestra and maintains an active schedule as a solo and chamber artist. Dr. Gardiner Mulcahy is also a certified yoga instructor, specializing in classes and clinics for the college-age performing artist. When she’s not performing or teaching, Dr. Gardiner Mulcahy enjoys practicing yoga and spending time hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding with friends and family.

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CLARINET DAY RECITAL

Did you hear? Special guest artist Dr. Blake Arrington will be performing during our afternoon recital beginning at 4:00 p.m. Clarinet choirs from the FCC Clarinet Day will kick off the recital followed by Dr. Blake Arrington. This event is free and open to the public. You do not need to attend Clarinet Day to attend the recital.

Concert Ticket Information

• Tickets to attend the Clarinet Day Recital are free of charge.
• Learn more and reserve tickets to attend our Clarinet Day Recital

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CONTACT US

If you have any questions or wish to learn more about the music program at Frederick Community College, please contact us. We look forward to meeting you!

Dr. Mike Gersten, Program Manager
Frederick Community College Music Program
[email protected] • 301-846-2566 • frederick.edu/music

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