About
CHRISTINE MACDONNELL, Broadway woodwind musician and soloist in various ensembles: graduated from Loyola University New Orleans, and received her Master of Music degree in clarinet from The Juilliard School. New York performances include Radio City Music Hall, Paper Mill Playhouse, Albany Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Northeast Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. National performances include the Walnut Theatre and The Philly Pops in Philadelphia, John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, Georgia State University, and Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. Christine has performed and lectured locally and performed abroad as principal clarinet in the Orquestra Sinfonica Brasileira in Brazil and the Nova Philharmonia Portuguesa in Portugal. Just recently she was a featured clarinet artist in the XI Festival International de Sopros in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has served two US Presidents in the “President’s Own” Marine Band. Christine has toured nationally with productions such as Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Falsettos. A popular freelance musician in NYC, and Broadway regular on shows such as Aladdin, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, and The Lion King, she also plays with numerous chamber ensembles, accompanying artists such as Bernadette Peters, Florence Henderson, Aretha Franklin, and Frank Sinatra, Jr. Currently she serves as a woodwind instructor at the United Nations International School, as well conducting master classes at various universities within the United States. She has been interviewed and featured on WPFW, Jazz and Justice Radio in Washington, DC, and on Clarinet Corner, Troy University Public Radio. Her two classical CDs,“Enchanted Saint Saens” and “Clarinet Rhapsody” have been hailed as “beautifully played and well-deserved of its title”. Her latest recording, “Chris’ Journey, A Whimsical Collage of Music”, is a piece specifically written for her. It is very unique in that one artist, Christine MacDonnell, is performing all 11 woodwinds depicting various styles. All three recordings are available online. Christine is also a Yamaha Performing Artist and a D’Addario Performing Artist.
All lessons are personalized to the student and will cover fundamentals of playing the instrument as well as appreciation of the various styles of music. a combination of scales, etudes and fun pieces will be integrated into the lesson. An avid teacher of woodwinds for decades, each lesson is tailored to the students age and needs. Younger students will be guided to play their favorite song , while older students will play music in the repertoire. Older students will also be prepared for festivals and competitions should they desire.
"Thank you for allowing me a 'close-up' of the wonderful work you are doing with your private music lesson students. I was so impressed w/Peter and his level of proficiency--particularly at such a young age. Peter's rendition of "Up On the House Top" was simply charming. His love of music is infectious! I was equally impressed with your focus on technique and how to tell a story through music. I commend you for creating such a supportive and safe environment for your students!"
All-State Music
– Improving your Sound Projection, Dynamics, Blend
– Developing a Daily Practice Routine
– Hand and Finger Position
– Articulation
– How to Properly Breathe
– Musical Style and Phrasing
United Nations International School (UNIS), NYC
Paper Mill Playhouse, NJ
Shubert Theater, NYC
Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, PA