Clarinetist Albert Hunt is a critically acclaimed performer and prominent
teacher now residing in McLean, Virginia. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts
Degree from
The Juilliard School, where
he was a scholarship student with
Joseph Allard,
David Weber and
Vincent Abato. Dr. Hunt
also worked with William Blount of the
Orchestra of St. Luke's and
David Niethamer, former Principal Clarinetist of the Richmond Symphony.
Dr. Hunt performs in solo and chamber music concerts throughout the United
States and abroad. In April 2009, Dr. Hunt journeyed to Quito, Ecuador and
performed Carl Maria von Weber's Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor with the
Ecuador Philharmonic.
Diario Hoy, one of Quito's
leading newspapers, stated "Albert Hunt demonstrated refined phrasing and much
versatility....his fingers ran across the instrument as if it were an extension
of his body." He has appeared in the clarinet sections of the
Cleveland Orchestra, the
Orchestra of St. Luke's, the
New York City Ballet Orchestra,
and the
National Philharmonic Orchestra.
A fan of new music, Dr. Hunt has premiered many works, including several
composed to him.
Dr. Hunt's students from Virginia and Maryland have an impressive record of
success. In addition to earning principal positions in prominent local youth
orchestras such as the
Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra
and the
American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra,
his students have earned principal clarinet positions in the Virginia and
Maryland All-State Bands and Orchestras. In recent years, more than one third of
Montgomery County's All-County Band has consisted of students from Dr. Hunt's
studio. In addition, his students consistently receive Superior ratings in the
Maryland and Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Solo and Ensemble Contest. A
clarinet quintet coached by Dr. Hunt won a place in the quarter final round of
the famed
Fischoff National Chamber Music
Competition in South Bend, Indiana. In addition, Dr. Hunt has
conducted orchestras in Florida, Ohio, Alabama and Maryland and adjudicated band
and solo festivals in several states.
In addition to teaching clarinet and coaching chamber music, Dr. Hunt has
conducted numerous community and youth orchestras including: Guayaquil (Ecuador)
Youth Orchestra, The Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra, Lorain Civic Orchestra,
Prince George's County Youth Orchestra, and the Independent School Orchestra,
and the Birmingham Prelude Strings. Albert Hunt is a sectional coach with the
American Youth Philharmonic and conducts the Clarinet Choir of the Maryland
Classical Youth Orchestras Association.
Beginning in 2008, Dr. Hunt is the International Coordinator and Artistic
Director of
Sinfonía por la Vida in
Ecuador. The objective of this organization is to provide musical instruments
and instruction to young people in Ecuador, especially those who are
economically disadvantaged. Sinfonía por la Vida, originated in 2007 and is
expanding rapidly in Ecuador. Currently more than 1,000 students are involved in
making music.