DFW-based clarinetist Kristen Thompson is noted for playing with “remarkable intensity” and “dynamic interpretation.” An enthusiastic teacher and performer, Ms. Thompson maintains a large private studio in Denton ISD, where many of her students have been selected to District and Region honor bands and have received high rankings at Solo and Ensemble Contests. As a performer, Ms. Thompson was selected as a Finalist at the 2014 International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition in Baton Rouge, LA, a notable accomplishment. She has previously performed as Assistant Principal Clarinetist with the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra, as well as on clarinet and saxophone for Denton Community Theatre and Greater Lewisville Community Theatre.

Ms. Thompson holds a Master’s degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of North Texas, where she studied with Dr. Kimberly Cole Luevano and Dr. James Gillespie. At UNT, she performed with the Wind Symphony, Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and in a variety of chamber ensembles. She also earned a Certificate in Arts Leadership while at UNT and was one of two recipients of the prestigious Priddy Scholarship in Arts Leadership in 2012. She gained experience in arts management as an intern with the Bradetich Foundation and Chamber Music International, as well as briefly serving as the volunteer Executive Director of the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra.

While a student at UNT, Ms. Thompson also worked as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Kris Chesky’s course Occupational Health: Lessons from Music. She is actively involved in musician’s health research, having presented a poster on the role of the vocal musculature in wind performance at the 2013 Performing Arts Medical Association Conference in Aspen, CO. A Massachusetts native, Ms. Thompson graduated magna cum laude from Postdam (NY) State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Performer’s Certificate, and a minor in Chemistry. Outside of performing, she enjoys spending time gardening and spoiling her boxer, Capi.

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