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David Schorr and the Clarinet Institute: Bringing Music to Life
David Schorr has been playing the clarinet in orchestras, studios, and chamber groups for over 30 years. Driven by a passion to bring more clarinet music to Los Angeles, he founded the Clarinet Institute with a simple goal; get musicians together to make great music.
It all started with some business cards and an idea. David handed them out after gigs, and before long, clarinetists were calling. That’s when it hit him—if he was going to create an “institute,” it had to be more than just a name. It needed to make an impact!
And make an impact it did. The Clarinet Institute quickly became a vibrant hub for clarinet players to gather, rehearse, and perform tons of chamber music. They kicked things off with neighborhood garage concerts, then moved to outdoor venues all over Los Angeles. The Institute’s popularity skyrocketed, eventually earning recognition from the City of Los Angeles.
To spread the word about their events, David launched the Clarinet Institute website. What started as a place for rehearsal reminders and concert announcements soon evolved when he posted a few PDF copies of Reicha wind quintets from his personal collection. And just like that, the floodgates opened!
Musicians were ecstatic. The idea of sharing sheet music online was fresh and exciting, and the response was overwhelming. David began scanning and uploading more out-of-copyright music, and soon, other musicians started sending in their collections to share.
Then came the unexpected— the website crashed. The hosting company called to say that the site had been flooded with downloads from all over the world, causing a server meltdown. David found a solution: He put the entire clarinet library on a CD and offered it at cost, so musicians could get everything they needed in one place without hours of downloading.
Soon, flutists got in touch, asking for the same thing. One even mailed in a huge box of fragile, ancient sheet music. That box marked the beginning of the Flute Archive. From there, the archives expanded to include oboe, bassoon, and brass. As the project grew, David enlisted friends and family to help. Katy Locke, Bob Ernenwein, and Heather Klenk have been with him since the early days, and they’re still working behind the scenes to keep the archives fresh and well-organized.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area and want to join in the music, click here! The Clarinet Institute meets regularly for solo and chamber music in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Come play, connect, and be a part of the music!
Keep in touch and let me know how you like and use this service. The Clarinet Institute is a completely profitless organization. The feedback we get from clarinet players around the world makes this project worthwhile! Click here to send an email.
SPORTS! Before the Clarinet Institute took off, life was simpler… and a bit more playful! David Schorr and his good friend, Jeff Leichter, came up with their own twist on “Over the Line,” but for just two players. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s perfect for when you’re looking to add a little competition to your day.
Curious? Click HERE to see the setup and rules!