Audition Cafe

Introduction

Clarisse Benson is a freelance bassoonist and bassoon instructor in the Detroit Metro area. A recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, she has performed with orchestras and chamber groups throughout the Pittsburgh area including Bel Suono Ensemble, the Johnstown Symphony, the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, the Pittsburgh Savoyards, and Aeolian Winds.

Clarisse Benson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Maryland as well as a Master’s degree and Advanced Music Certificate in Music Performance from Carnegie Mellon University. She has studied under the instruction of Nancy Goeres of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Arnold Irchai, former principal of the Moscow Philharmonic, Sue Heineman, principal of the National Symphony Orchestra, and Erich Heckscher, principal of the National Philharmonic. Throughout college, Clarisse performed internationally in Canada, Italy, and Russia. She attended summer festivals including Le Domaine Forget, Siena Music Festival, Summit Music Festival, The International Academy of Music, and the Pierre Monteux School. She has performed in a variety of musical styles and ensembles ranging from Brazilian to Baroque.

Clarisse currently holds the positions of School of Music Coordinator as well as Bassoon Instructor at Marshall Music Co. in Troy, MI. She teaches students of all ages and often visits schools to work with their bassoon sections.