Member Name:
 

Sarah Celona

Year Joined Community Band:

2000
 

Spouse / Sig Other, Children:

N/A
 

Work / Profession (if retired, former):

Student - Music Education
 

Personal Pursuits:

(such as: sports/recreation, volunteer work, hobbies, crafts, family activities, special accomplishments)
 

Movies, music, pizza-bowling, and washer-toss

Music Background:

(such as: your start, experience, education, mentor, inspiration, interesting or humorous personal story, accomplishments)

I started Bb clarinet with Kim Brienzi in 5^th grade, at HF-L Manor. For one reason or another, I contemplated quitting several times in middle school, until I joined Debbie Kummer's after-school Clarinet Choir. This is where I was introduced to the almighty bass clarinet. I began studying privately with Debbie, and switched entirely to bass by 8^th grade. In high school, things really took off, and I ended up spending just about all of my free time either practicing or playing in ensembles. After being hassled by a certain HFCCB saxophonist, I picked up bari sax in order to play in the HF-L Jazz Ensemble, which went to Essentially Ellington my senior year. (Thanks, Brad.) 

After graduating, I attended the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam for three years, studying bass clarinet with Raphael Sanders and Alan Woy. I am currently student teaching in the Capital District, and will graduate with my B.M. in Music Education in December 2007. 

Throughout high school, and continuing up to this point, I would say that my biggest musical influence has been Mark Borden. Without him, I would definitely not be where I am today. (I would be a meteorologist!)
 

Other Bands Play(ed) With:

HF-L Wind and Jazz Ensembles; HF-L Pit Orchestras; Hochstein Youth Symphony; Hochstein Youth Wind Symphony; All-County and All-State ensembles; Finger Lakes Symphony; Jack Allen Big Band sub; Crane Wind Ensemble and Concert Band; Crane Jazz Band; ACID BASS

What you most enjoy, or find especially fulfilling, about being a part of Community Band:
 

I love the friendships that cross several generations, as well as a variety of musical and professional backgrounds. Also, the annual Christmas party and end-of-season picnic have always been highlights!

Of the music we play, is there a type or piece that is your favorite:

 

During the school year: orchestral transcriptions

In the summer: anything with a monstrous groove!