About Haley
Clarinetist
Haley Harrison, a devoted Metro-East clarinetist and music educator, has carved a significant path in the world of music, showcasing exceptional talent, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Embarking on her journey as a clarinet instructor, Harrison shares her knowledge and inspires the next generation of clarinetists through teaching private lessons and serving as a clarinet instructor at the Eastern Music Camp and Monticello band camp in 2023. Beginning her freelance work in 2021, Harrison has also been able to enhance her musicianship through pit orchestra performances throughout Coles and Jasper counties, presenting shows such as Beauty and the Beast, White Christmas and Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience.
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Harrison earned her Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from Eastern Illinois University, where her dedication to the instrument began to shine. She continued to pursue excellence in music at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, obtaining a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance. She is currently a graduate assistant at Bowling Green State University where she is working to obtain a DMA in Contemporary Clarinet. Throughout her education and professional career, Harrison had the privilege of learning from renowned clarinetists including Kevin Schempf of Bowling Green State University, Eli Eban & Howard Klug of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and Magie Beck of Eastern Illinois University. In addition to clarinet studies, she has been mentored for chamber studies by artists such as Rebecca Johnson, Sara Fruehe, and Gabor Varga – who all played a crucial role in shaping her musical identity.
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Harrison's ensemble experience is a testament to her versatility and dedication. Her involvement in various ensembles, such as the IU Wind Ensemble, EIU Symphony Orchestra, and EIU Wind Symphony showcase her ability to excel in different musical settings. As the co-principal clarinetist of the Eastern Symphony Orchestra and principal clarinetist of the EIU Wind Symphony, she demonstrated leadership and exceptional musicality. In expanding her performing capabilities, she was an avid member of chamber ensembles including an IU wind quintet, clarinet quartet and various small and large chamber groups at EIU – performing amongst both peers and faculty members.
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Harrison's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest 2022 Young Artist Showcase in Reno, NV. She received the Talented Student Award at Eastern Illinois University from 2018 to 2022, the Nimmons Family Scholarship in 2021, and the Earl Boyd Band Scholarship in 2018. Notably, she triumphed at the Eastern Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition in 2019, performing Weber’s Concertino, was selected as one of the winners of the EIU Honor’s Recital competition in 2021, and has been featured as a soloist with the EIU Wind Symphony, performing Frank Ticheli’s Blue Shades. Additionally, Harrison has competed in the NAACP’s 2018 Act-So competition: winning gold in the East St. Louis regional division, earning the opportunity to perform at nationals in San Antonio, TX with Paul Jeanjean’s Arabesques.