Meet Kristen Denny Chambers - Part 1

Episode 8: In this episode we speak with composer, clarinetist, and mom of 2, Kristen Denny Chambers. She shares how her past has shaped her role as a mother.

https://clarinetplayground.com

Dr. Kristen Denny-Chambers, (b. 1978) clarinetist, teacher, and composer, has performed as a freelance, chamber, and orchestral clarinetist in several venues including the Ameropa Chamber Music Festival in Prague, the Fort Smith Symphony, Wyoming Symphony, Longmont Symphony, Colorado Light Opera, and the Tulsa Symphony.

Having no formal compositional training, Kristen wrote a clarinet exercise book called Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch in 2016 with the goal of bridging the gap between high school and college-level clarinet methods. A few years later, Kristen wrote Finger Fitness ÉtudesBook 1 which incorporates finger technique drills into 38 tuneful and light-hearted études with 10 additional études for low C clarinets. Composed in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the book showcases a new compositional voice that was simply waiting for the right moment for inspiration. 
Released in September of 2021, Finger Fitness Études Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off with 40 new études (plus 18 for low C) featuring larger intervals, more challenging rhythms, and elevated musical expectations. Released just a month later in September of 2021, Finger Fitness Foundationsis a precursor to Finger Fitness Études Book 1. It contains mostly half-page études based on the “68 Exercises in Mechanism” from the Celebrated Method for the Clarinet by H. Klosé – perfect for those just getting started with finger fundamentals. 

Following a long, five-year break from social media, Kristen returned with the purpose of connecting with others musically. After having kids and multiple dental surgeries, she needed to get back into shape so she dove into some performance groups. Kristen noticed a need for another group so she started an Étude of the WeekFacebook group for clarinet enthusiasts to journey through études together and, much to her surprise, the community has become a significant part of her daily life with new friendships and connections budding daily. Kristen has also started a Facebook group for Clarinet Playground that has become a wonderfully supportive group and allows members to post and cheer each other on as they play through Clarinet Playground materials. Branching out further from her comfort zone, Kristen joined Instagram and has learned to create videos and other content related to Étude of the Week and Clarinet Playground as well as clarinet coaching materials.

Kristen is now teaching full-time in her home studio, writing and experimenting with music as much as possible, leading and participating in several online clarinet communities, performing with local and virtual groups, taking care of her two small children, and brainstorming for her next book project.

Dr. Denny-Chambers holds degrees from the University of Tulsa, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Colorado-Boulder. Kristen’s primary teachers include Shannon Scott, Diane Barger, and Daniel Silver.