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 and Dr. Del Hungerford. 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 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. In 2016, Brian won Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble’s “Undergraduate Choral Composition Competition” award, and Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble premiered his composition, “Lonely Dreams”, in Seattle on May 21, 2016. In 2017, his Sonata for Clarinet and Piano won highest honors in the Reed Composition division at MusicFest Northwest. Brian 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.