BYU-Idaho Clarinet Alumni
See what graduates have been doing since leaving the clarinet studio.
Celeste Reynolds - 2012
Bachelor of Music Education
Since graduating from BYU-Idaho in 2012 I built up my private clarinet studio and enjoyed teaching 5th - 9th grade clarinet students. The bulk my time, though, has been with coaching Color Guard and Winter Guard. I have worked with Madison High School, Lehi High School, and Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps.
Sarah Carroll, MT-BC - 2013
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Following my Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from BYU-Idaho, I got my Music Therapy Equivalency education at Arizona State University. I worked as an intern at a music therapy clinic before taking my certification exam and I am a Board-Certified Music Therapist as of February 2016. I'm working at a great office job to pay the bills, also have a couple of small "gigs" to pay the soul. I run an Adaptive Music Class for the City of Boise and I coordinate with a local music store to teach adaptive music lessons. I still pull out my clarinet for teaching my Music Classes, to play in church, and to perform with the Treasure Valley Branch of Millennial Choir & Orchestra.
MJ Passanando - 2013
Bachelor of Music Education
Master of Music in Performance (Boise State University)
After completing her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University - Idaho, MJ Lewis received her Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from Boise State University and is currently performing in various ensembles in the area. Previously, she ran the elementary band program and taught elementary general music in the Winslow Unified School District in Winslow, Arizona, and has taught private students from elementary through college level. She has also taught and tutored for Music Theory, Ear Training, Music History, Music Appreciation, and Woodwind classes between her time with Boise State University and Brigham Young University - Idaho. MJ has performed with orchestras, bands, and small ensembles throughout Arizona, California, Idaho, and Illinois. Performance repertoire includes orchestral works, operas, musicals, worship music, contemporary music, and more! She has performed with groups from the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Idaho to the El Korah Shrine Circus Band and even a local rock band performing the entirety of The Beatles album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Her principal clarinet teachers include Leslie Moreau, Adam Ballif, and William Holman. She lives with her husband, Justan, and daughter Danielle in Meridian, Idaho, where she continues to perform throughout the Treasure Valley.
Amanda Hufstetler Empey - 2013
Bachelor of Music Education
Master of Music in Performance (Boise State University)
Following my graduation from BYU-Idaho in 2013, I moved to Boise where I pursued my Masters Degree in Clarinet Performance from Boise State University. After graduating from Boise State, I was hired as the Band Director at Blackfoot High School. I am enjoying working with the students in Blackfoot in Marching and Concert Band.
Terance Bagley - 2015
Bachelor of Arts in Music
After graduating from BYU-Idaho, I was blessed to be able to start my family and remain in the Rexburg area. I joined the Rexburg Tabernacle Orchestra and have enjoyed continuing to perform on my clarinet.
Rachel Johnson - 2016
Bachelor of Music Performance
Since graduating from BYU-Idaho in July 2016, I spent most of my time with family. I helped them move from Farmington to Syracuse during the summer. Later that fall, I got a job at Security National Mortgage Company as a Corporate Funder, which is where I currently work. In December 2016, I had the opportunity to perform with the Davis Chorale as a guest clarinet soloist. I was invited back to perform with them the next December. I also joined the Syracuse community orchestra for a short time and performed in their Fall Concert. In August 2017, I met my husband at a random game night. We got engaged that December, and were married in the Bountiful Temple in March 2018.
Madeline Bascom - 2016
Bachelor of Music Education
After leaving BYU-Idaho I was hired to be the Band Director at West Jeffereson High School. I still enjoy learning new clarinet repertoire and hope to one day pursue a Masters Degree in Clarinet Performance.
Brennan Jessee - 2018
Bachelor of Music Education
After finishing coursework at BYU-Idaho, Brennan completed his student teaching in Arizona at Mesa High School. Following student teaching, Brennan accepted a teaching position at Legacy Traditional School in Surprise, Arizona.
AIMEE MCCARREY - 2019
Bachelor of Music Education
After completing my course work at BYU-I, I taught private lessons in Rexburg and St. Anthony until I began student teaching in the Fall of 2019. I student taught at Mountain Ridge High School, a brand new school in Herriman, UT. It was a unique and wonderful experience. While student teaching, I was the Woodwind Instructor on the marching band staff. I will continue that position in the coming years. Before completing my course work, my husband and I were blessed with a son. We are excited for a second child to join our family in August of 2020. For now, aside from being on the marching band staff, I will mostly be a homemaker. However, I plan to begin a private studio and join a community orchestra in the future.
DAVID TORRES - 2019
Bachelor of Arts in Music
In addition to studying clarinet, David Torres brings eleven years’ experience to the podium. His vocal and instrumental ensembles have appeared in California, Idaho, and Utah and been heard worldwide (Brigham Young University, Idaho productions for PBS and internationally televised events for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). David currently conducts the elite Vocal Affinity in Rexburg, Idaho which will be featured as one of the performing choirs at the American Choral Directors Association Northwest Regional Conference of March 2020 in Spokane, WA. He also conducts the Los Angeles-based Echo Luminos. David serves as Assistant Conductor to the Azusa Pacific University Choir and Conducting Associate to Southern California’s Angeles Chorale. David has a BA in music with a conducting emphasis from Brigham Young Univeristy – Idaho, where he also served as adjunct faculty, and is currently pursuing his MM at Azusa Pacific University. His conducting teachers include Dr. Rebecca Lord & Diane Soelberg (BYUI), Dr. Donald Neuen (UCLA), and Dr. John Sutton (APU).
Ethan Tufts - 2020
Bachelor of Music Education
Following graduation, Ethan got a job teaching high school band and choir at Wahluke High School in Mattawa, Washington. He is still teaching in the music program there, making a significant impact in the lives of his students.
Megan Barmore - 2022
BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION
Megan is teaching music at Mount Ogden Middle School in Ogden, Utah.
Emmalee Rainey - 2023
Bachelor of Music Education
Steve Fitch - 2023
BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION
Immediately after graduation, Steve got a job as a band director in the Boise, Idaho area.
Ryan Terry - 2024
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC
In addition to being fanstastic clarinetist, Ryan is a gifted composer.