Gwendolyn Smythe January 21, XXXX Interview with educator College Writing 2 Prof.

Stockwell Maestro Surapine: From clarinet geek to orchestra conductor

The things I learned from my experience in music in school are discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, courage and pride in results. . . Not a bad preparation for the workforce! - Gregory Anrig President, Educational Testing Service

The first day I played the clarinet, I came home and couldnt remember how to put the thing together, Paul Surapine said. I had it all backwards. He paused as he examined the instrument now in his hands. But within a month, I not only remembered how to put the horn together, I also remembered the fingering, the embouchure, the dynamics. By the end of the first year, I was first chair in the band. My goalto be the most famous clarinetist in the world. Today, Surapine leads The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, is the Executive & Artistic Director of The Claflin Hill Music Performance Foundation, Inc. , and teaches private clarinet lessons at various music schools and colleges throughout eastern Massachusetts. Paul Surapine, the oldest of five musical children, grew up in Enfield, CT. His mother, a promising pianist and his father, a dedicated financial advisor at the Hartford Courant, instilled a strong desire for focused study and perseverance in all of their children. Throughout junior and senior high school, Surapine strove to be the best. His dedication won him first chair in several prestigious ensembles, including the McDonalds All Star Band that played at the Rose Bowls Annual New Years Day Parade in Pasadena, CA. His music also took him to Europe. Surapine attended St. Louis Conservatory of Music and later matriculated at Hartt College of Music in Hartford, CT. He majored in clarinet performance and later studied for fifteen years with Kalmen Opperman, who also taught the renowned soloist Richard Stoltzman. In fact, Surapine appears on Stoltzmans Christmas recording Hark.

Surapines inspiration derives primarily from his upbringing and his early exposure to great musical performances. I remember going to hear Harold Wright, principal clarinetist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Surapine said. My dad took me and my brother to Tanglewood to hear the BSO. After the concert, I hung around the meet Wright. He gave me his photo and an autograph. Surapine pointed to a framed black and white photo that hangs on the wall near his desk. But Surapines true inspiration came from Kalmen Opperman, his long time teacher and mentor. Kal would have lessons that lasted for hours, Surapine continued. There would be four or five of his students. It was a group thing. Hed work with one student, but the rest would benefit from listening and watching. There should be more of that kind of pedagogy going on today. But now, peoples lives are so scheduled, no student would want to spend an entire afternoon in a lesson. Surapines days are now filled with his own teaching schedule and fundraising for a nonprofit organization that he founded in 1997. When asked what his dad did for work, my son once told his second grade class that his dad talked on the phone all day. Surapines student often earn first chair at various district ensembles. He enjoys teaching and passing along the knowledge imparted by his teacher. He hopes to continue to work to strengthen The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, and cement its permanent place in the community. Surapine placed the mouthpiece between his lips, straightened his shoulder, and took a deep breath while looking at his reflection in the mirror. His fingers danced on the keys as he practiced a page of etudes that he wrote to strengthen a hand injury that compromised his playing ability for a short time. Its just proof what focus, dedication and perseverance can accomplish, he said between exercises. To think, I couldnt remember how to put this thing together. Now I

cannot imagine not practicing at least an hour every day. My world would not be complete. Surapines mentoring, teaching and leading a regional orchestra prove that hard work do pay off.

Surapine, Paul. Personal interview. 19, Jan. 2011 Surapine, Paul. Re: Names of teachers, mentors, inspiration. Email to Gwendolyn Smythe. Jan. 20, 2011.