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Established in 2011, Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet (LECQ) is committed to the performance of high quality chamber music - unbounded by style or instrumentation - that showcases the unique capabilities and versatility of the clarinet family. Comprised of voices similar to a string quartet, LECQ’s repertoire is focused on translating music originally written for other instrumentation into relevant listening experiences.
As Vandoren artists, LECQ concertizes and presents clinics throughout the US. Lake Effect has performed on the live radio broadcast, Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series (2020), on the International Music Foundation’s livestream Concert Series (2021), performed and presented at the International Clarinet Association's ClarinetFest (2017, 2019), and completed a tour of the greater St. Louis area and Kirksville, MO (Spring 2019). In 2023, Lake Effect headlined the Missouri Bandmasters Association conference, presenting a clinic and performing an evening concert. In addition, the quartet was in residence with Chicago composer, Jonathan Hannau, at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute in 2017. They have presented at the Clarinetquest Clarinet Camp (2023), Vandoren Clarinet Ensemble Festival (2013), and at the Vandoren booth at both TMEA (2020) and the Midwest Band Clinic (2013, 2014). In 2012, LECQ was invited to compete in the quarterfinals of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in South Bend, Indiana. Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet released their first album, Nielsen, Grainger, & Strauss in October 2019 and their second album, Cooler by the Lake, in January 2024. Selections from both albums are regularly featured on 98.7 WFMT.
Members Nora Shaffer (Clarinet, E-flat Clarinet), Erin Miesner (Clarinet), Cally Laughlin (Clarinet), and Joseph Sanchez (Bass Clarinet) met while students at DePaul University. In addition to giving clinics and performances with Lake Effect, they are each active freelancers and teachers in the Chicago area.
During time not spent perfecting the art of clarinetistry and quarteting, LECQ passionately pursues the craft of (s)wordplay, the art of matching outfits to their red shoes, and a deep, deep love of adorable kitty-cats. For more information visit www.LakeEffectClarinetQuartet.com