community arts academy
indiana clarinet experience
Indiana Clarinet Experience
June 2-7, 2025 | $625 residential | $525 commuter
The Indiana Clarinet Experience (ICE) is a six-day overnight summer program for clarinetists in grades 8–12 to have a fun musical experience with a dedicated faculty of young, energetic professionals. The camp takes place in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music in the Rhinehart Music Center where students spend the week on campus with fellow participants. Housing is provided in Purdue Fort Wayne's campus housing and students will be supervised at all times. Lunch and dinner are provided; campers will provide their own breakfast items that can be stored and served in their student apartment kitchens.
For more information, contact Kylie Stultz-Dessent at [email protected].
What to Expect at ICE
Improve at the clarinet.
There will be lots of information presented to help you excel at the clarinet, and plenty of time to practice so that you master all of these new concepts.
Meet new friends.
ICE attracts students from all over Indiana and beyond. Many friendships are formed throughout the week. Group activities outside of class time will encourage making new friendships that last.
Play cool music.
No one wants to play cool music more than the faculty do. Many of them bring their own arrangements and compositions to spice up the repertoire for the small and large ensemble concerts.
Play cool instruments.
This is your chance to learn more about the clarinet instrument family. You can play E-flat clarinet, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, and contra bass clarinet. The end of the camp includes a clarinet choir concert, where people will play all kinds of strange clarinets, big and small.
Play cool music for other people.
Part of the camp experience includes performing a final concert at PFW School of Music. Playing music for ourselves is fun, but playing for other people is even more satisfying.
Work with an energetic and passionate faculty.
Students will have the opportunity to work in a small setting with a dedicated faculty of professional clarinetists and teachers. Additionally, students will hear performances by innovative clarinetists in the professional field.
A summer to remember.
It’s only a week, but the memories will last much longer. Many of our participants look forward to returning each summer to meet friends from around the state and beyond.
Tentative Camp Schedule
9–10 a.m. Group Warm Up and Fundamentals
10–11 a.m. Clarinet Grab-Bag: Special Activity
11 a.m.– noon Individualized Lessons/Individual Practice
Noon–1:30 p.m. Lunch Break and Outdoor Activity
1:30–2:30 p.m. Chamber Music Rehearsals
2:30–3:30 p.m. Large Group Masterclass
3:30–5 p.m. Clarinet Choir Rehearsal
6–7 p.m. Dinner
7–8:30 p.m. Group Activity
Testimonials
“I don’t think I really knew what to expect when I walked in the door on the first day, but I knew when I walked out on the first day that I couldn’t wait to come back the next. Everyone there—students and instructors—are so supportive. They just want you to thrive and to see you grow as a clarinet player. I can't wait to hopefully return this year!” – Brittany D.
“ICE taught me more than I could have imagined in just one week. It also allowed me to bond with many new people over a common love of the clarinet. Every single aspect of it was great, and I would definitely participate again!” – Will Z.
This program was made possible, in part, through the support of Associated Chamber Music Players.The mission of ACMP is to stimulate and expand the playing of chamber music for pleasure among musicians worldwide, of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels, by connecting people and supporting chamber music activities for individuals, groups and institutions. Join ACMP - Membership is FREE!
Instructors
Kylie Stultz-Dessent, Director
Kylie Stultz-Dessent is a versatile artist with a varied career as educator, soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. She is currently serving as visiting instructor of clarinet and music theory at Purdue University Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kylie has performed with numerous regional orchestras and is a member of The Novacane Quartet, an award winning clarinet quartet. She holds degrees from Indiana University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Kylie co-founded the Indiana Clarinet Experience (ICE) in 2014.
Erik Franklin, Director
Clarinetist Erik Franklin has given hundreds of concerts in nearly all fifty states, performing concerts in venues from veterans’ homes to Carnegie Hall. A former member of the U.S. Army Field Band, Mr. Franklin balances his time teaching at Towson University, performing with his award-winning chamber groups, and directing the Indiana Clarinet Experience. Mr. Franklin is a resident of Baltimore, MD, and holds degrees from Indiana University and Furman University.
Chris Dessent, Instructor
Chris Dessent is a music educator, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist and former Director of Bands at Fishers High School in Fishers, Indiana. Chris is currently Assistant Band Director and Assistant Professor of Practice in Music at Purdue Fort Wayne. A versatile composer and arranger, Chris has several newly published works of varying levels and styles. His primary instrument is the clarinet, and he thoroughly enjoys being a part of the Indiana Clarinet Experience as a staff member.