Clarinet Studio

Patricia P. Card, DMA
Professor of Clarinet
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2208
pcard@shsu.edu
(936)294-1383

Morgan Forsyth, MM
Adjunct Professor of Clarinet
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2208
mef037@shsu.edu
(281)881-2668 (cell)

2025-2026 SHSU Clarinet Studio

Clarinet Events

Audition Information

Sam Houston State University offers a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance, Teacher Certification/Music Education, Music Therapy, Composition as well as a Bachelor of Arts and a Music Minor. Prospective music students must be accepted by both the University and the School of Music and perform an Entrance Audition. The required paperwork can be found on the prospective student section of the School of Music webpage:
https://www.shsu.edu/academics/music/admissions/

Entrance Audition dates are:

November 15, 2025 

January 24, 2026 

February 7, 2026

February 28, 2026

April 25, 2026 (non-scholarship)

If the above dates do not work with your schedule, please contact me to arrange a private audition. Auditions last approximately 15 minutes. Clarinet players should prepare one or two solos or etudes, which demonstrate technical facility as well as lyrical, expressive playing. All-State etudes and UIL solos are acceptable selections. Sight-reading and/or major scales may be requested. An accompanist is not necessary. Music may be used.

The School of Music offers substantial music scholarships based on your entrance audition. In additional, there are other scholarship opportunities that can be earned while attending Sam Houston based on merit, GPA, and service to the University.

Clinic Handouts

Performance Guides for Association of Texas Small School Bands

The Performance guides are designed to give the ATSSB clarinetist a deeper understanding of how to approach learning and performing these etudes. Suggestions are included for the entire five year rotation.

Texas Bandmasters Association Convention
San Antonio, TX

ATSSB Handout (PDF)

The ABCs of the Clarinet Ts: Tone, Technique and Tongue

Clarinet can be a challenging instrument for students of all ability. By investigating the clarinet fundamentals of tone, technique and tongue, most problematic issues can be identified and improved regardless of age. Card will give suggestions on how to address and resolve some of the most common problems students and their band directors encounter every day.

TMEA Clinic Handout

Texas Music Educators Convention
San Antonio, TX
February 11, 2016

2012 Clarinet Studio Project Texas UIL Class III solo database

In the Fall of 2012, the SHSU Clarinet Studio reviewed, studied and performed a large portion of the repertoire that creates the Class III Bb clarinet solos for Texas UIL. Attached is a database of our findings including title, publisher, pedagogy issues, appealing elements and ensemble issues.

UIL Class III Bb clarinet solo database (PDF)

The Mechanics of Breathing

This clinic discusses the various elements involved in proper breathing required for Clarinet Performance. Basic anatomy, types of breathing, air capacity and awareness exercises are included.

Texas Clarinet Colloquium, Texas A&M University--Commerce
March 5, 2011

The Mechanics of Breathing outline

Little Steps to the Big Break

When clarinet students first join band, they enter a whole new world, one that is fresh, novel and fun. As the year progresses, certain aspects of the clarinet can become quite challenging. One of the more difficult areas is conquering the technique required to go over the break. Without proper guidance, many students become frustrated, dejected and may even quit. The following article will concentrate on this issue and suggest a systematic approach to introducing and mastering the break.

Texas Bandmasters Association Newsletter
Spring 2009

TBA article

Fear Factor: Finding Woodwind Chamber Music

This clinic is designed to introduce new repertoire for various combinations of woodwind instruments; repertoire is appropriate for intermediate to advanced high school/college students. The combinations include:

Trios:
flute, oboe and clarinet;
flute, oboe and bassoon;
flute, clarinet and saxophone;
oboe, clarinet and bassoon

Quartets:
flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon;
oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone;

Texas Bandmasters Association Convention
San Antonio, TX
July 22, 2006

TBA Handout

Beginning Band is Over: Are the Clarinets Ready for your Performing Group?

At the end of the first year of band, clarinet students often lack the refinement needed to successfully contribute to a performing ensemble. Focusing on unique problems associated with the advancing clarinetist, this clinic will provide suggestions and exercises designed to develop the essentials skills required of a capable clarinet section.

Texas Music Educators Association Convention
San Antonio, TX
February 17, 2006

TMEA Handout

Favorite Links

www.clarinet.org International Clarinet Association

www.musictherapy.org American Music Therapy Association

www.tmea.org Texas Music Educators Association

www.atssb.org Association of Texas Small School Bands