Meet Sean White, MM, BME
Sean has been a clarinetist in The United States Navy Band since 2023. Prior to this, he spent two years as a clarinetist in the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. He holds a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music Education from The University of North Florida. He has performed with various orchestras to include the Virginia Symphony, and Jacksonville Symphony. He has been a featured soloist on the Heritage of America Band’s 2023 musical outreach tour. A sought out teacher and clinician, he has given masterclasses and performed all across the globe in countries to include Italy, Spain, and Belgium. His teachers include Dr. Melissa Simmons, Mark Nuccio, and Steve Cohen.
Now that all the official bio stuff is out of the way, let me get a little more personal. I began playing clarinet in 5th grade. It’s actually a pretty funny story how it all happened… I desperately wanted to be a french horn player. I just absolutely loved (and still very much do) the sound every time I hear it. So, I went into my beginning band instrument tryouts with that idea in my mind. I tried every single instrument available, and clarinet was the only one I could make a sound on… I definitely think my choice was rigged! All jokes aside, the more I played, the more I started really enjoying the clarinet. I started taking private lessons in 6th grade and immediately saw tons of success in my home state of Florida getting selected for various all district and all state ensembles. I went to the All-State honor band a total of 4 times between middle and high school and was a member of my all district band 7th-12th grade.
When I was preparing to go to college, I didn’t even plan to pursue music. In fact, I was a nursing major. I realized in my sophomore year of classes that I desperately missed playing, since I all but gave it up when I went to college. After much thought, I made a decision to audition for the music school and pursue a music education degree. Upon completion, I went on to pursue a masters at the behest of my teacher who though I had potential. I won my first job after the completion of the first year in my graduate studies and the rest is history. I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a full time musician. It also brings me immense joy helping young players (we all were there at one point) develop their skills and enjoyment from this wonderful instrument.
My Approach to Teaching
Often, I see examples of “get good quick” schemes centered around the latest mouthpieces, barrels, ligatures, reeds, etc. You name it, there is a company or product out there claiming to be the solution to all of your problems. My response to all of this is you cannot fix a skill issue with equipment. Equipment should be chosen for its ability to allow for proper mechanics and economy of sound production. Beyond this, it lies with the player. I focus my own playing and my instruction on developing good fundamental technique and sound production centered around the characteristic clarinet sound - a brilliant, highly resonant and focused tone that can easily carry over large ensembles to the back of any concert hall. We spend a lot of time working on technical exercises, tone production techniques, breathing, and relaxation so that the music can be effortless. My teachers have been instrumental (forgive the pun) at instilling these priorities in me. I hope, in turn, I can provide the same to my students.
