International Clarinet Association facts for kids
The International Clarinet Association (ICA) is a big group for people who play the clarinet. It brings together clarinet players from all over the world! The ICA is based in Columbus, Ohio, in the United States. This group helps people learn more about the clarinet. They publish a magazine called The Clarinet four times a year. They also put on a yearly music festival called ClarinetFest. Plus, they have a special library with lots of clarinet music and research materials.
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How the ICA Started
The International Clarinet Society, which later became the ICA, began in 1964. The University of Denver helped start it by funding special meetings. These meetings were part of the university's 100th birthday celebration.
First Clarinet Meetings
A clarinet teacher named Ralph Strouf helped organize the first meeting. It was called the National Clarinet Clinic. His teacher, Keith Stein, helped with the music side of the event. This first clinic lasted five days. Ralph Strouf kept organizing these yearly clinics until 1967. After he left, another clarinet player named Ramon Kireilis took over.
Forming the Society
In 1973, Ramon Kireilis helped create the International Clarinet Society. Many people who had attended the clinics joined this new group. Ramon Kireilis became the first president of the Society. The group then wrote down its goals and chose leaders. They also started publishing their magazine, The Clarinet.
Becoming the ICA
In 1988, the International Clarinet Society joined with another group called ClariNetwork International. The first group was mostly for clarinet teachers and students. The second group was more for professional performers. In 1991, the combined group changed its name. It became the International Clarinet Association, or ICA.
What the ICA Does
The ICA does many things to support clarinet players and music. They host a big festival and several competitions. They also have a large library of clarinet music.
ClarinetFest: The Big Festival
The first National Clarinet Clinic grew into a huge international festival. It changed its name several times over the years. It was called the International Clarinet Clinic, then the International Clarinet Congress, and later the International Clarinet Conference. Today, it is known as ClarinetFest. It is a major event for clarinet players worldwide.
Competitions for Musicians
The ICA holds different competitions for clarinet players and composers. These include:
- A competition for new music compositions.
- A competition for high school students.
- A competition for young artists.
- A competition that helps prepare musicians for orchestra auditions.
- A competition for research about the clarinet.
The ICA Research Library
After Jerry Pierce, a past president of the Society, passed away in 1994, the ICA bought his huge collection of clarinet music. This collection is now a big part of the ICA Research Center. It is located at the University of Maryland. There are over 6,000 pieces of music available! Members of the ICA and the University of Maryland can borrow this music. The library also has special collections of papers from Jerry Pierce and Daniel Bonade, who were important clarinet figures.
