4 Chelmsford High Musicians Chosen For Prestigious Clinic In Seattle

CHELMSFORD, MA – Two Chelmsford High School students will be attending the Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) in Seattle this weekend, becoming perhaps the first two CHS students to take part in the prestigious conference.

Senior clarinetist Rachel O'Brien and senior flautist Sarah Buliszak will attend the event, which runs from Friday to Monday at Seattle’s Doubletree Hotel. CHS junior trombonist Kyle Pinto and junior clarinetist Keira Miller also were selected for the clinic, but are unable to attend because they are part of the orchestra for the 2022 fall musical "Legally Blonde."

CHS music teacher Matthew Sexauer said he had never nominated a student for the clinic because it requires travel and attending involves missing school. But Sexauer said the crop of current musicians is so talented that he couldn't resist putting them up for the honor.

"For students, it's one of the best (clinics)," Sexauer said. "It's the first time we've had two students participate. They are all model band students who did well in the audition. They are very dedicated when it comes to playing in a band and improving themselves."

Sexauer said a total of eight CHS students auditioned for the WIBC.

At the event this weekend, attendees will be divided into four WIBC honor bands, which will rehearse and then perform at the end of the clinic.

The clinic also features several guest speakers — conductors, composers and musicians — who are prominent in the world of band music, including: Julian Bliss, considered one of the world’s most talented clarinetists, Carol Brittin Chambers, composer/conductor at Texas Lutheran University, Michael Sweeney, director of band publications at Hal Leonard Music in Milwaukee, and Tim Lautzenheiser, who has conducted bands at Northern Michigan University, New Mexico State and University of Missouri.

"The composers attending have created some of my favorite and most memorable pieces I have performed, and the opportunity to be under their batons is super exciting," Buliszak said. "I have previously participated in districts and All-State ensembles, and this seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I could not pass up."

O'Brien, meanwhile, said she also views the trip as a great learning opportunity.

"I am hoping to learn more about different types of music the guest conductors have written, along with tactics to better understand and deconstruct music," O'Brien said. "In that sense, I really hope to learn more about music as a whole. I find it all fascinating."