About the Ulster ClariNetwork

The Ulster ClariNetwork is the work of Clarinettists Anne Harper & Sarah Smith & is the result of years of positive conversations & collaboration. 
​By establishing this resource they hope to build a positive community which can support and encourage clarinet players here whether they're a beginner, an aspiring professional, or a life-long enthusiast. 

Join the Facebook group - click here!

About the Course

This exciting online course reflects the shared passion & commitment of its creators as well as their complementary styles.  Together Sarah & Anne offer a wealth of expertise in performance & education alike, & this course is aimed at players of an intermediate - advanced level (approx. Gd 6 ABRSM & above/Tertiary level/life-long learners). 

Sarah Smith BMus (Hons), MMus (Dist)

Sarah is an Irish clarinet player now based in her home town of Belfast. After her studies in London at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Sarah worked as a freelance clarinettist with many of the UK’s leading orchestras & chamber groups. During this time she performed in the UK’s most prestigious concert halls including; Royal Opera House, Barbican, Royal Festival Hall & Glyndebourne with groups including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Britten Sinfonia.

As a soloist, Sarah has performed with the Ulster Orchestra and on BBC Northern Ireland’s Arts Show. Sarah has been the recipient of a number of awards including; Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Young Musicians Platform Award, RPO Sir John Barbarolli Award & the English Speaking Union Menuhin Banff Scholarship. She has recorded with various orchestras for record labels including Hyperion. Sarah’s recording of British wind trio music went on to receive 4* reviews in BBC Music Magazine.

Since returning home, Sarah has continued to work with orchestras based in the UK as well as working with groups closer to home including; RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, Cork Opera House, NI Opera and Belfast Ensemble. 
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Sarah is passionate about musical outreach & education & has worked with many organisations including the London Symphony Orchestra Discovery team & the OAE Education team. In Belfast, Sarah teaches at Queens University & the City of Belfast School of Music alongside her private tuition.

Anne Harper BMus (Hons), MMus (Dist)

A performer with over 20 years experience, Anne grew up in Belfast before continuing her musical studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. She began working professionally while still a student & was awarded the Silver Medallion by the Worshipful Company of Musicians in 1999. 

Over the years Anne has appeared frequently as a guest performer with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, the RTE Concert Orchestra, & the Belfast Ensemble.   

Anne is also an Associate & Clarinet tutor with the Ulster Orchestra's Learning & Community Engagement team, where she works on their flagship education programme 'Crescendo'. She teaches clarinet performance at Queen's University in Belfast, & in 2020 Anne founded the Ulster Clarinet Choir. She loves variety, & works with a wide range of students from beginners to advanced. Her students regularly go on to further study at Conservatoire level.  

For some time now Anne has been exploring the use of the clarinet in traditional & folk music, most recently collaborating with musicians Colum Sands & Patrick Davey. Anne also composes her own music which is frequently inspired by the landscape and heritage of County Down. She has three children and is married to Jonathan. 

What the course covers:

Sunday 2nd May:

2.00pm: Reed care & adjustment - Anne Harper
Everyone knows a good reed can really enhance your playing. It takes some of the stress away, allows you to play with greater ease, & enables you to create the sound you want. In this workshop, Anne will share some long-forgotten tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your reeds & takes look at the various options available to modern-day clarinettists. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, & the class will be followed by a 15 minute comfort break. 
3.00pm: Clarinet technique - Sarah Smith
In this workshop Sarah will talk about the various technique books & specific exercises that can help to address common problems faced when playing the clarinet. Sarah will share how these materials can best be used to adapt and reinvigorate our warm-up routines. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, and the class will be followed by a 15 minute comfort break. 
4.00pm: Performance Class
This session will be run in a similar way to conservatoire performance classes - a supportive environment where the performers and their audience each learn from one another. Players will be invited to introduce and perform a piece of their choice & Sarah & Anne will facilitate an informed discussion around each performance. Each of the 5 available slots will be 15mins in length, and there will be a 15 minute break before the last 2 performers with the workshop ending around 5.30pm. Please contact us as soon as possible if you would like to perform*! 

Monday 3rd May:

10.00am: Performance & practice in the C21st - Anne Harper
Whether you're a regular player, or returning to the clarinet after a break, practice is key to unlocking the best in your playing. In this session, Anne will take a look at ways to maximise your efficiency & get the most out of your playing in the 21st Century. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, and the class will be followed by a 15 minute comfort break. 
11.00am: The Early Clarinet & why we should know about it - Sarah Smith
As our instrument has evolved it has gone through many changes, and these have been reflected in the solo and orchestral repertoire. Sarah will explain how these changes influence & can enhance our performance practice. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, and the class will be followed by a 15 minute comfort break. 
12.00pm: Online Clarinet Ensemble
​There could be no better way to finish our clarinet-tastic weekend than for us all to play together! Participants will receive their parts in advance, & we will spend some time rehearsing and discussing the various musical & technical challenges before performing together in real time. Please note: some of this session will be recorded.

SIGN ME UP!

£30 (£20 for students in full-time education)
​If you would like to find out more, or reserve your place, please complete the form below & click 'submit'.
We will contact you to arrange payment**

*All course participants will have the opportunity to take ask questions & interact throughout sessions - however if you wish to play a piece during the performance class please contact us as soon as possible as performance spaces are strictly limited due to time!
**NB: this course will take place using ZOOM, please ensure you have all the necessary equipment & connectivity.