Project Clarinet
Your Dreams - Your Goals - Your Success
Improve your clarinet playing with world-class instruction
Make new friends while experiencing the unique beauty of the Caribbean
June 23-28, 2022
Scarborough, Tobago
Philosophy of Project Clarinet
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We are offering you an opportunity to spend a week on the beautiful island of Tobago. You can customize your schedule to fit your own personality and style. You will have an experience like nowhere else.
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This festival is serious but fun, join us!
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Faculty
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Associate Professor of Clarinet, University of North Texas
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Director, Project Clarinet
Assistant Professor of Clarinet, Virginia Tech
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Sample schedule
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breakfast
group warm-up
chamber music or solo repertoire coaching
topical presentation
lunch
individual practice time or lessons
dinner
student or faculty performance
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Accommodations
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You will stay at the gorgeous Tropikist Beach Resort, which is within walking distance from the stunning Tobago beach. Double or single occupancy rooms available upon request. Have a look here
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Audition repertoire
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Mozart, Concerto (exposition) or
Solo of your choice
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At least two of the following excerpts:
Beethoven, Symphony No. 6
Mendelssohn, Scherzo
Stravinsky, Firebird
Brahms, Symphony No. 3
Ravel, Dauphins et Chloe
Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnole
Sibelius, Symphony No. 1
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Tuition & Room/Board
$1,500USD with double room occupancy
$2,000USD with single room occupancy
(three meals per day are included)
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Application deadline is April 1st
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Merit based scholarships are available
NOTE: The flight tickets are the responsibility of the participants
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How to apply
Pay your non-refundable $50USD application fee
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Email your recording by clicking here
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I attend Project Clarinet?
This is the only festival of its kind in the Caribbean. You will have an opportunity to study with world-class instructors in a welcoming and relaxed environment, not to mention the location is absolutely incredible!
What is included in the $1,500USD festival fee?
The $1,500USD covers your resort double occupancy room, three meals per day, tuition, half-day tour of the island, and transportation from the airport to the resort and back . It does not include your flight tickets.
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Who are the faculty members?
Phil Paglialonga is a clarinet professor at the University of North Texas, one of the largest music schools in North America. He is also the author of Squeak Big and founding member of PEN Trio.
Yevgeny Dokshansky is Artistic Director of Ensemble Next Parallel in Washington, D.C. and also performs as principal clarinetist with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and Washington Concert Opera Society.
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How safe is Tobago?
Tobago is rather safe, in fact, many local residents don’t even lock their homes. As a US citizen living in Trinidad for 5 years while working as professor of clarinet at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, I have never experienced any crime or felt unsafe. I do advise to be vigilant, especially while traveling to new destinations.
How hot does it get in Tobago?
The temperature in Trinidad and Tobago year round is 85-92 degrees, so using sunblock and drinking lots of water is a must!
What is the dress code?
The environment is a relaxed one, so feel free to dress casually. While beach wear is fine on the beach, in the sessions we ask that you at least wear a pair of shorts, a proper shirt, and some sort of footwear. There is no reason to bring along normal formal concert attire.
What about tuition assistance?
We have tried our absolute best to keep the costs of this festival as low as possible. (This is definitely not something that is going to be a big money maker for anybody!) Despite our best efforts we can’t extend everybody free tuition. So we encourage you to find outside funding to help pay for your participation. Talk to your clarinet professor and see if your school has funding opportunities you can apply for. Many universities also have offices that support undergraduate and graduate research, as well as learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Look into what funding sources may be available to you to make your participation possible!!
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Since this festival is new, have you run festivals like this before?
While this festival is new, we do have experience running similar clarinet experiences. A few years ago Phil and I did an exchange project that brought a group of American clarinetists for a week to Trinidad. While this festival is somewhat different a lot of the logistical concerns are similar, so we have a good handle on how this will work.
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Do I need travelers insurance?
We recommend that everyone gets travel insurance for the duration of their stay. This can be obtained cheaply and easily. We also recommend being sure that you know what your normal health insurance will cover while abroad and making sure you consult with your regular physician about appropriate shots, vacations and other health precautions.
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Is it safe to drink tap water?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water, but we suggest you drink bottled water.
Will I have to attend every scheduled activity?
Our goal is to provide the participants with different options you can choose from. We only ask that you attend the chamber music coachings, but otherwise you’re free to customize your schedule as you wish.
When should I book my flights?
You should book your flights as soon as you have been accepted.
Will I be able my choose my roommate?
We will do our best to accommodate any requests.
What about trying local cuisine?
Absolutely, you will have a chance to try local Caribbean food. Trinidad and Tobago is famous for Doubles, Roti, Bake and Fish, and Crab Dumplings - it is all absolutely delicious!
Do I need a valid passport?
Yes, as a US citizen I can visit Trinidad and Tobago without a visa for up to 90 days, but your passport has to be valid 6 months beyond the expiration date. Can non-American citizens attend? Of course! All we ask is that you have a valid passport and the necessary visas to visit Tobago.
Can I bring electronics such as a laptop or iPad?
We recommend that you leave any valuables you can at home, including your laptop and iPad. It’s not a bad idea to bring along a phone and to keep it with you at all times. You can contact your cell phone provider about getting a short term international roaming package, or just stick to WiFi to avoid insane overages.
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If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me here
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