By Zach Cable
MUNCIE, Ind. – Clarinetist Daniel Gilbert and pianist Donna Lee performed at Sursa Performance Hall Friday night as part of Ball State’s Music Teachers National Association Guest Artist Recital.
Gilbert is an associate professor of clarinet at the University of Michigan and served as a member of the Cleveland Orchestra from 1995 to 2007.
“I’ve been to Ball State a few times now,” said Gilbert. “Every time, the turnout is bigger and the community is just as friendly.”
Gilbert, who came up as a freelance musician in New York City, says he knows the struggle of getting recognition and spotlight, which is why he relates to his students so well.
“Everyone wants to succeed. There’s a grueling path to most musical uccess and I’ve experienced it firsthand,” Gilbert said.
Lee has also had plenty of success in her musical career.
Just returning from Puerto Rico last month, she has been all around the world to play piano – including recent performances in Hong Kong, Beijing and China.
The associate professor and coordinator of the piano division at Kent State University has recorded for three record labels: Proprius, Innova and Musart.
“I decided to get into teaching simply to share my love and passion of music,” said Lee.
“Music is the purest form of art and can reveal emotions you didn’t think you had.”
Gilbert and Lee performed works by Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Leonard Bernstein, Claude Debussy and Francis Poulenc in front of several School of Music students.
“To have such successful artists here gives me so much motivation,” said senior pianist student Megan Riley. “Music is my life; if I can have half the success these two have had, I’ll life a great life.”
The next Music Teachers National Association performance will be a student recital for Ball State students on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
The event is free to the open and takes place in Hahn Recital Hall at 5:30 p.m.
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