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Karen Adwell: Clarinet / Bass Clarinet

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Member since? 

November 2017

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How did you hear about/find us? 

My good friend Meredith joined and invited me to come too!

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What is your musical background/history? 

Started playing clarinet in 7th grade and played through High School in Marching and Symphonic bands.  I played clarinet in Auburn University’s Symphonic Band for three years (2002-2005), and I marched in the AUMB for three years (2002-2004 seasons).  I marched clarinet for the 2002 season, and for the 2003 and 2004 seasons, I learned to play TC Baritone and marched Baritone those two years. I wanted to see what it was like to march as a brass!  (Answer: It’s super fun!) I was also a member of Auburn's Kappa Phi Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, a Professional Music Fraternity for Women.

 

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What is your favorite “Band Song” to play? 

“Festive Overture” - Dmitri Shostakovich.  Best clarinet parts!

 

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What do you do when you are not playing music? (work/hobbies/for fun???)

I am an RBT/ABA Therapist for Milestones Behavior Group.  We work with children with autism, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral issues.  It is extremely rewarding! I also have a HUGE love for dogs, and extensive knowledge and history working with and training them.  I love every dog. Every single one. Also, I love to bake, and I enjoy gardening too.

 

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What type of animal/breed of dog/cat/bird/fish/other etc…. best reflects your personality and why? 

I had a good friend tell me I’m like a giraffe.  She said because on nature documentaries, while the lions and gazelles are duking it out in the foreground, you can always find a giraffe in the background, staying out of the way but still checking out the drama.  That’s me. Also, I look awkward when I run.

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What is your superpower? 

My memory is really solid and pretty photographic.  From events, to funny happenings, to music, to quotes, to what someone was wearing on some random day… I can remember it.  And I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue.

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Tell us something fun!  You know, like “That one time at band camp…” Or elsewhere.  (funny anecdote/story/amazing coincidence/hidden talent/celebrity encounter, etc…) 

At the bowl game in Orlando in January of 2003 (AU vs. Penn State), a group of less than 10 of us were approached on the sidelines by EA and asked to film a spot for the upcoming NCAA Football 2004 game.  So I ended up in a nationally syndicated EA commercial that aired for months! I'd get random calls from friends and family all the time like "I just saw you on [MTV/NBC/Comedy Central/ESPN/etc]!" It was kinda weird, heh.  EA SPORTS! IF IT'S IN THE GAME, IT'S IN THE GAME!

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Also, thanks to the AUMB, we played for President G.W. Bush twice.  Once when he came for a rally at Auburn in 2002, and then the AUMB marched in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in DC in January 2005.  Political leanings aside, it was a huge honor!

© 2025 CCB

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