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Watch this quick, ONE-MINUTE introduction to Clarinet Playground. Thank you for visiting!
What’s New?
FRIENDSHIP for Solo Clarinet Pre-Order starting August 1, 2024 (Deliveries begin January of 2025) DIGITAL and PRINT – $12NEW! Clarinet Playground 3D Printed Finger Labyrinth! $65 (The first 20 orders will get a FREE Finger Labyrinth sticker!)NEW! Clarinet Playground Finger Labyrinth: STICKER $4
Finger Fitness Études for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 3 DIGITAL and PRINT – $28
Finger Fitness Études for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 3 with MP3 Bundle DIGITAL and PRINT – $35
To the Other Side – Duet for Bb Clarinet & Bass Clarinet 3rd Prize Winner of the ICA Low Clarinet Festival Composition Competition (2023). DIGITAL and PRINT – $15
Looking for Lessons?
BIG NEWS for Clarinet Playground!
Finger Fitness Etudes Book 2 FOR THOSE PURCHASING THIS BOOK FOR OKLAHOMA ALL-STATE AUDITIONS FOR LOW CLARINETS (OkMEA), PLEASE NOTE THAT DIGITAL COPIES ARE INTENDED FOR THE USE OF ONE PERSON ONLY. DIGITAL MATERIALS ARE A LITTLE TRICKY. IF YOU PURCHASE A DIGITAL COPY, IT WILL BE PERSONALIZED FOR THE USE OF ONE PERSON. IF YOU’D PREFER TO HAVE A COPY FOR YOUR BAND LIBRARY, PLEASE PURCHASE A PRINT COPY. I AM A LIVING COMPOSER. I HAVE NO HOPES OF GETTING RICH DOING THIS WORK, BUT I DO HAVE TO MAKE A LIVING IF I AM ABLE TO CONTINUE CREATING MORE MATERIALS. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING!
Featured Items!
Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch: Expanded Edition DIGITAL and PRINT – $14
It Feels Like… for solo clarinet (with optional bongo part) DIGITAL and PRINT – $12
Finger Fitness Foundations for Clarinet DIGITAL and PRINT – $16
Finger Fitness Foundations and Prep Steps – BUNDLE DIGITAL and PRINT – $27
Finger Fitness Études, Books 1 AND 2 – BUNDLE DIGITAL and PRINT – $35
Finger Fitness Études, Book 1 with MP3 – BUNDLE DIGITAL and PRINT with MP3 – $22
Finger Fitness Études, Book 2 with MP3 – BUNDLE DIGITAL and PRINT with MP3 – $28
FIRST PRIZE WINNER in the post-collegiate category of the 2021 Clareidoscope Composition Competition! DIGITAL and PRINT – $10
“The third book of Kristen Denny-Chambers’ Finger Fitness Études is a wonderfully constructed resource for any clarinetist. Fingering challenges are delightfully hidden within charming melodies with picturesque étude titles. The Clarinet Playground series is a fresh and welcome addition to our clarinet pedagogy. These musical gems honor and celebrate inclusivity in our modern world of professional clarinetists.” –Mary Alice Druhan: Professor of Clarinet, Texas A&M University-Commerce
“My favorite part about Book 3 is that it offers a wide range of musical ideas to study. I have performed études from previous Finger Fitness Études books for chamber concerts around the world, in online classes, and at conventions. Book 3 will be a part of my touring list for years to come because of how musically appealing it is.” –Marcus Moore: Clarinetist, MARFORPAC Band
“Book 3 is my favorite set of Finger Fitness Études yet. Kristen Denny-Chambers has a remarkable ability to weave challenging technical patterns into playful, thoroughly musical works in a variety of styles. This book is a must-have for any clarinetist seeking musical growth and a fun learning experience.” –Caitlin Beare: Asst. Professor of Clarinet, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
“These études are challenging for students AND professionals. To top it off, the melodies are interesting and pleasant to listen to and play. I highly recommend Finger Fitness Études for anyone looking for a collection that is new and refreshing. Brava!” –David Sapadin: Principal Clarinet, The New York Pops
Book Reviews
Clarinet Playground Chats!
Featured Chat: Meet Trevor Stewart, one of the sounds of Clarinet Playground. Trevor has recorded ALL 40 études from Finger Fitness Études, Book 2 and his MP3 available now in my store individually and with the book as a bundle!
Trevor Stewart, guest for “Daydreamer’s Fantasy” from Finger Fitness Études, Book 1!
“To the Other Side” is a concert duet for Bb Clarinet and Bass Clarinet in PRINT or DIGITAL
“Rockhoppers” Teaser from Finger Fitness Études BOOK THREE! Releases July of 2023!
Josh Goo of QuickStart Clarinet (QSC) discusses Finger Fitness Études
STAY HOME for the Holidays: A Holiday Medley for Clarinet Trio!
Finger Fitness Foundations promo video!
Holiday Celebration: A Holiday Medley for Clarinet Trio DIGITAL
Sneak Peek #4 (final preview): Finger Fitness Études, Book 2! Available now!
BOOK RELEASE VIDEO: Learn all about Finger Fitness Études, Book 2, and so much more!!
Michael Lowenstern’s review of Finger Fitness Études for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 1! DIGITAL and PRINT
Sneak Peek #2: Finger Fitness Études, Book 2! Releasing August 6, 2021!
Michael Lowenstern features “Sunny Days” from Finger Fitness Études, Book 1 in this technique video! DIGITAL and PRINT
Better Together: Clarinet Duet DIGITAL – FREE
FIRST PRIZE WINNER of the post-collegiate category of the Clareidoscope Composition Competition! “Cortejo de Aves” for solo clarinet – performed beautifully by Trevor Stewart on Bb clarinet. DIGITAL and PRINT
Chris Mothersole playing “Cortejo de Aves” on basset horn!
Sneak Peek #2: A montage from Part 2 of Finger Fitness Études, Book 1 ! DIGITAL and PRINT
Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch DIGITAL and PRINT (old video with my long hair!)
“May the Forks Be with You” played by Brian Corbin with the NEW Royal Global Firebird Bass Clarinet!
PERFECT BINDING: How to get your Finger Fitness Études book to lie flat on your stand!
Cally Clarinet reviews Finger Fitness Études, Book 1!WATCH MORE
Clarinet Tips
Over the years, I have soaked up a great deal of information about teaching and playing and continue to do so on a regular basis. I am happy to share that information and hope that others can benefit from what has worked for me. Current students would be wise to review this information often since we will be covering these topics in lessons one way or another!
Choose the “Clarinet Tips” tab to browse a variety of subjects and enjoy!
About
Dr. Kristen Denny-Chambers, (b. 1978) clarinetist, teacher, and composer, has performed as a freelance, chamber, and orchestral clarinetist in several venues including the Ameropa Chamber Music Festival in Prague, the Fort Smith Symphony, Wyoming Symphony, Longmont Symphony, Colorado Light Opera, and the Tulsa Symphony.
Having no formal compositional training, Kristen wrote a clarinet exercise book called Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch in 2016 with the goal of bridging the gap between high school and college-level clarinet methods. A few years later, Kristen wrote Finger Fitness Études Book 1 which incorporates finger technique drills into 38 tuneful and light-hearted études with 10 additional études for low C clarinets. Composed in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the book showcases a new compositional voice that was simply waiting for the right moment for inspiration.
Released in September of 2021, Finger Fitness Études Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off with 40 new études (plus 18 for low C) featuring larger intervals, more challenging rhythms, and elevated musical expectations. Released just a month later in September of 2021, Finger Fitness Foundations is a precursor to Finger Fitness Études Book 1. It contains mostly half-page études based on the “68 Exercises in Mechanism” from the Celebrated Method for the Clarinet by H. Klosé – perfect for those just getting started with finger fundamentals. Finger Fitness Études Book 3 was released in 2023 and pushes the range and difficulty level up to be on par with All-State level audition materials. Book 3 includes 45 new études (plus 24 for low C). There are more books to come. Stick around!
Kristen has also been having fun writing solo and ensemble pieces for the clarinet. First prize winner in the post-collegiate composition category of the 2021 Clareidoscope festival and competition, Cortejo de Aves is scored for solo clarinet with the flexibility to be performed using any clarinet in the clarinet family. Kristen’s newest duet, To the Other Side, scored for Bb clarinet and bass clarinet, was awarded third prize in the first-ever ICA Low Clarinet Fest Composition Competition and will be premiered at the January 2023 event by the amazing Égide Duo comprised of Stefanie and Joshua Gardner. This duet will be released in the Clarinet Playground store in January of 2023. Premiering at the ICA Clarinetfest in Dublin (2024), Kristen wrote a piece that was a commission and consortium through the ICA and ICA Enthusiasts Committee. “Friendship” is a three-movement solo clarinet piece (any clarinet) that features an Irish inspiration. It will release to the public in January of 2025. Kristen is on a roll and has started her own clarinet venture called Clarinet Playground where “Everyone’s Invited!” Expect to see many more books along with more solo and ensemble pieces as Clarinet Playground continues to grow.
Following a long, five-year break from social media, Kristen returned with the purpose of connecting with others musically. After having kids and multiple dental surgeries, she needed to get back into shape so she dove into some performance groups. Kristen noticed a need for another group so she started an Étude of the Week Facebook group for clarinet enthusiasts to journey through études together and, much to her surprise, the community has become a significant part of her daily life with new friendships and connections budding daily. Kristen has also started a Facebook group for Clarinet Playground that has become a wonderfully supportive group and allows members to post and cheer each other on as they play through Clarinet Playground materials. Branching out further from her comfort zone, Kristen joined Instagram and has learned to create videos and other content related to Étude of the Week and Clarinet Playground as well as clarinet coaching materials.
Artwork by former student, Ellen Considine – clarinetist and artist!
While Kristen especially enjoys helping young students develop into polished musicians, she welcomes students of all ages and abilities. Students of Dr. Denny-Chambers have attended music camps such as Interlochen Arts Academy and Rocky Ridge, placed in prestigious solo competitions, attended arts-focused high schools, gained college scholarships to study music, and have held positions in youth orchestras and honor bands in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Colorado. Early on, Kristen gained valuable teaching experience as a band director with one of the top school districts in Arkansas (Alma) and was on staff as the woodwinds instructor at Conifer High School and Summit Middle School while living in Colorado.
Dr. Denny-Chambers’ passion for chamber music lead her to form a group that performed Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time in 2007, and the group was awarded the Denis Koromzay Chamber Music Award for their successful performances in the Boulder community. As a novice composer, Fool’s Dance, premiered by the Tulsa Clarinet Quartet at the OU Clarinet Symposium in 2004, was her first composition to be premiered at a large venue. Other honors Kristen has received include the winner of the University of Tulsa concerto competition and the Best Should Teach Award from the University of Colorado.
Kristen is now teaching full-time in her home studio, writing and experimenting with music as much as possible, leading and participating in several online clarinet communities, performing with local and virtual groups, taking care of her two small children, and brainstorming for her next book project.
Dr. Denny-Chambers holds degrees from the University of Tulsa, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Kristen’s current setup includes a Buffet R13 from the late 1970s, a Brad Behn Epic mouthpiece, a Behn adjustable barrel, a Behn ligature, and Vandoren 56 rue Lepic reeds.
Teaching
With over 25 years of teaching experience, I have learned that teaching is a craft that evolves constantly; therefore, I regularly seek opportunities for growth. My teaching style is also quite flexible because I work with beginners, pre-college students and adult clarinet enthusiasts.
Generally, I spend a great deal of time helping students polish the fundamentals of playing the clarinet. If there is a weakness in a basic approach, the rate of progress can be severely stunted. As fundamentals are strengthened, a variety of appropriately challenging repertoire is introduced that includes scales and studies, solo repertoire, chamber music, orchestral literature, opera, musicals, movie tunes, popular music, folk, jazz, klezmer, etc. I encourage my students to explore various musical styles with the end goal of producing a well-rounded musician.
I train my students to become self-teachers so they can learn to self-monitor and make adjustments while they are learning. We also focus on character and connecting to the music so they feel confident expressing themselves. I believe that if I can foster successful, independent learning with my students and they learn to love making music, then I have done my job right.
Hover over the “Teaching” tab to open several menu options and view more details. Feel free to CONTACT MEwith questions about lessons.
Watch THIS VIDEOto learn how playing a musical instrument activates the brain like no other activity!