Biography
Brian Schappals is a clarinetist, composer and educator based in Seattle, WA that diversifies the art of clarinet playing by integrating multiple styles of playing into his performances and compositions. He holds a Master’s in Music degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Washington and Bachelor’s of Arts degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Composition from Whitworth University, having studied with Ben Lulich, Dr. Del Hungerford, Brent Edstrom, Richard Strauch, and Thomas Shook. In 2019, Brian won University of Washington Wind Ensemble’s concerto competition and performed David Maslanka’s Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble I. Lamentation. Brian is also an active musician in the greater Seattle area, performing with Seattle Collaborative Orchestra, Emerald Ballet Theater Orchestra, Saratoga Orchestra, Inverted Space, The Sound Ensemble, and Bellingham Chamber Chorale. Most notably, Brian recently performed in the world premiere of Harry Partch's original version of The Bewitched with the Harry Partch Ensemble.
Brian is also an active composer of contemporary classical music. While specializing in compositions for clarinet, he is well-versed in composing for a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, electro-acoustic pieces, and choral works. Most recently, Brian has been nominated as a finalist for the American Prize in Wind Ensemble Composition's Professional Division for his concerto for clarinet and mixed ensemble titled light...pale and angered. He has also received commissions for compositions from three professors at Whitworth University and two students, which includes a professional commission from Dr. Philip Baldwin – the director of the Symphony Orchestra. Brian has two published works, Voyage for Saxophone Quartet and Electronics and an arrangement of Richard Wagner’s Prelude to Tristan und Isolde for clarinet choir.
Brian is also an active composer of contemporary classical music. While specializing in compositions for clarinet, he is well-versed in composing for a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, electro-acoustic pieces, and choral works. Most recently, Brian has been nominated as a finalist for the American Prize in Wind Ensemble Composition's Professional Division for his concerto for clarinet and mixed ensemble titled light...pale and angered. He has also received commissions for compositions from three professors at Whitworth University and two students, which includes a professional commission from Dr. Philip Baldwin – the director of the Symphony Orchestra. Brian has two published works, Voyage for Saxophone Quartet and Electronics and an arrangement of Richard Wagner’s Prelude to Tristan und Isolde for clarinet choir.
©Brian Schappals 2021. All rights reserved.
