Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet

Description

Established in 2011, Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet (LECQ) is committed to the performance of high quality chamber music - unbounded by style or instrumentation - that showcases the unique capabilities and versatility of the clarinet family. Comprised of voices similar to a string quartet, LECQ’s repertoire is focused on translating music originally written for other instrumentation into relevant listening experiences.

As Vandoren artists, LECQ concertizes and presents clinics throughout the US. They have performed on the live radio broadcast, Dame Myra Hess Memorial Series (2020), on the International Music Foundation’s livestream Concert Series (2021), performed and presented at the International Clarinet Association's ClarinetFest (2017, 2019), and completed a tour of St. Louis and Kirksville, MO (Spring 2019). Additionally, the quartet was in-residence with Chicago composer, Jonathan Hannau, at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute in 2017. Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet released their first album, Nielsen, Grainger, & Strauss in October 2019, selections of which have been featured on 98.7 WFMT.

Members Nora Shaffer (Clarinet, E-flat Clarinet), Erin Miesner (Clarinet), Cally Laughlin (Clarinet), and Joseph Sanchez (Bass Clarinet) met while students at DePaul University. In addition to giving clinics and performances with LECQ, they are each active freelancers and teachers in the Chicago area.

Work Sample

This sample features excerpts from several different performances by Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet, including: Within Thy Heart, Empress of Night, and The Candy Lion by Amy Beach (Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert, September 2020), Drink To Me Only with Thine Eyes by Florence Price (March 2021), Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein (October 2021), and Mvt. 1 - Allegro non tanto e comodo from Quartet Op. 44, No. 4 by Carl Nielsen (from Lake Effect's debut album, Nielsen, Grainger, & Strauss, released October 2019). All pieces were arranged by quartet member, Erin Miesner.

This arrangement of Carol of the Bells by Erin Miesner was recorded by Lake Effect in December 2020. Each part was recorded separately and was then mixed and video edited by quartet member, Cally Laughlin.

This arrangement of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre by Cliff Colnot was recorded with all parts together in October 2020. Mixing and video editing was done by quartet member, Cally Laughlin.

Lake Effect primarily performs arrangements from the classical canon, in addition to some jazz and pop music. The work samples we have chosen to include showcase the wide variety of styles and genres that we have adapted to clarinet quartet, including works originally composed for voice and piano, string quartet, orchestra, and more. While we strive for the highest level of music making possible, we try not to take ourselves too seriously and hope to imbue our performances with fun, creativity, and energy. The last two work samples demonstrate this intention, and are excellent examples of the idea that if we’re having a good time, then our audience probably is as well.

History

Established in 2011, members Nora Shaffer (Clarinet, E-flat Clarinet), Erin Miesner (Clarinet), Cally Laughlin (Clarinet), and Joseph Sanchez (Bass Clarinet) met while students at DePaul University. In addition to giving clinics and performances with Lake Effect, they are each active freelancers and teachers in the Chicago area.

As Vandoren artists, LECQ concertizes and presents clinics throughout the US. Lake Effect has performed on the live radio broadcast, Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series (2020), on the International Music Foundation’s live stream Concert Series (2021), performed and presented at the International Clarinet Association's ClarinetFest (2017, 2019), and completed a tour of the greater St. Louis area and Kirksville, MO (Spring 2019). Additionally, the quartet was in residence with Chicago composer, Jonathan Hannau, at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute in 2017. LECQ has presented at the Vandoren Clarinet Ensemble Festival (2013), at the Vandoren booth at TMEA (2020) and at the Midwest Band Clinic (2013, 2014). They were invited to compete in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in South Bend, Indiana. Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet released their first album, Nielsen, Grainger, & Strauss in October 2019, selections of which have been featured on 98.7 WFMT.

Artistic Vision

Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet (LECQ) is committed to the performance of high quality chamber music - unbounded by style or instrumentation - that showcases the unique capabilities and versatility of the clarinet family. Comprised of voices similar to a string quartet, LECQ’s repertoire is focused on translating music originally written for other instrumentation into relevant listening experiences.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

While we do not often need to limit or change our repertoire selections based on who is attending our programs, we always tailor our conversation and educational approach to fit the audience at each performance. We have presented programs at schools, libraries, concert halls, churches, nursing homes, community centers, and more. Recent general program themes include: Dance, Holiday music, American composers, and art songs, as well as specific composer-focused programs. With a wide ranging repertoire, we can easily cater to any audience and/or venue needs.