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!