UCF Clarinet Day 2026

Join us for UCF’s 36th Annual Clarinet Day!

Featuring Guest Artist DANIEL GILBERT, Professor of Clarinet, University of Michigan

Designed for all clarinetists — middle and high school students, college musicians, educators, community members, and UCF alumni. UCF Clarinet Day features a large play-in clarinet ensemble, recitals, a masterclass, exhibits, and more.

We are thrilled to welcome Professor Daniel Gilbert for a recital and masterclass, featuring collaborations with Dr. Donna Lee (piano) and Dr. Rié Suzuki (clarinet).

Masterclass performance opportunities with Professor Gilbert will be available for students participating in Clarinet Day. Eligible students include those at the high school level and above, with a private teacher’s recommendation. Please contact Dr. Suzuki (Rie.Suzuki@ucf.edu) for further details and availability.

Daniel Gilbert is Professor of Clarinet at the University of Michigan and a former member of The Cleveland Orchestra, where he served as Second Clarinet from 1995 to 2007. He currently serves as principal clarinet of the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, the Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and the Classical Tahoe Festival Orchestra, and is on the faculty at Case Western Reserve University and the Brevard Music Festival. A native of New York City, he holds degrees from Yale University and The Juilliard School. An active international performer and clinician, Mr. Gilbert has appeared throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, and is an artist/clinician for Buffet Group USA and Vandoren.

Donna Lee, Steinway Artist, made her solo debut in 1990 with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and has since enjoyed an international solo and collaborative career throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Her recordings include Mendelssohn’s Complete Works for Cello and Piano with cellist Keith Robinson, praised by Fanfare Magazine as “quite simply, amazing.” An acclaimed artist-teacher, she was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame in 2021 and received Kent State University’s Distinguished Teaching Award. She serves as Professor and Coordinator of Piano at Kent State University and as artist-faculty and Piano Coordinator at the Brevard Music Center.