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BPC student earns principal clarinet at state music conference

Jamie Sexton

By Hayley Boisseau

BPC News and Public Information staff writer     

MOUNT VERNON—Brewton-Parker College junior, Jamie Sexton, competed against 13 top student clarinet players in the state to be selected for the principal clarinet chair at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Conference late last month.

Sexton, who is studying clarinet performance at Brewton-Parker, was selected to attend the GMEA 2007 All College Band Jan. 25-27 by Dr. Armenio Suzano, associate professor of music at BPC. All College Band participants are high-performing music students nominated from music studios in colleges throughout the state of Georgia. 

Sexton had mixed emotions about being selected as principal clarinetist.

“It was an exciting but scary experience,” she said. “Everyone was looking me to play everything well. I was honored to be chosen as principal clarinetist.”

Sexton began playing clarinet as a young child because “there was one lying around the house,” she said. She encourages student instrumentalists to practice continually and seek out private lessons as early as possible. To keep her practice time fun and fresh, she enjoys practicing her clarinet outdoors.

Sexton refers to Dr. Suzano as a true inspiration to her as she continues her clarinet instruction.

“He has encouraged me to pursue performance and that I am capable of it,” she added.

Dr. Glenn Eernisse, chair of the college’s Division of Music, is happy for Jamie and her accomplishments.

“We are extremely proud of Jamie for this recognition of her talent and hard work,” Dr. Eernisse said. “Knowing that she placed above student musicians from other colleges and universities from across the state speaks well for Brewton-Parker, the instruction she is receiving, and her own dedication and pursuit of excellence.”

-BPC-