LSU Single Reed Day
February 28th, 2025 // LSU Baton Rouge Campus
The LSU School of Music is pleased to present Single Reed Day, featuring exciting workshops and performances for Middle School, High School, College, single reed instrument players and enthusiasts. Students will have the opportunity to learn and perfom with LSU faculty members and guest artists: MEDUSA SAXOPHONE QUARTET AND CHARLES NEIDICH. Participants will refine their skillsets and learn new techniques to excel as individuals and ensemble performers.
Hosted by LSU faculty Bixby Kennedy, Visiting Assistant Professor of Clarinet and Dr. Kendra Wheeler, Assistant Professor of Saxophone.
On behalf of the LSU School of Music, we are excited to welcome you to the 2026 LSU Single Reed Day! This special event offers a full day of performances, master classes, lectures, workshops, vendor exhibits, free minor repairs, and a fantastic raffle prize contest. LSU’s Single Reed Day is also a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones among fellow musicians.
While here, be sure to explore our renowned vendor exhibit, featuring the latest trends and advancements in clarinet and saxophone. We can’t wait to share an inspiring and memorable day of music-making with you on our campus!
Love Purple and Live Gold!
Geaux Single Reeds!
Bixby Kennedy
Visiting Assistant Professor of Clarinet
Kendra Wheeler
Assistant Professor of Saxophone
The full schedule for Single Reed Day is subject to change. Please check back frequently for updates prior to the event beginning
8:00 am:
- Welcome and Registration opens in the School of Music Lobby
- Students are welcome to warm up and listen to LSU Student groups perform
9:00 am:
- Showcase Recital with Single Reed Day Featured Artists & LSU Faculty
10:30 am:
- Saxophone Masterclass with guest artist, Medusa Saxophone Quartet
- Clarinet Masterclass with guest artist, Charles Neidich
- Saxophone Master Class with LSU faculty member Dr. Wheeler
11:30 am:
- Clarinet Masterclass with LSU faculty member, Bixby Kennedy.
12:30 pm:
- Lunch (on your own) and Explore our Vendor Exhibition
1:30 pm:
- Indivdual Practice Time
- Explore our Vendor Exhibition
2:00 pm:
- Clarinet Sectionals
- Saxophone Sectionals
3:00 pm:
- Large Ensemble Rehearsal
4:00 pm:
- Raffle Winners Announced
4:30 pm:
- Large Ensemble Participant Concert
All Single Reed Day Activities will conclude promptly at 5:00pm
For questions about Single Reed Day, please contact Bixby Kennedy, Visiting Assistant Professor of Clarinet, at bixby.kennedy@lsu.edu or Kendra Wheeler, Assistant Professor of Saxophone, at kwheeler@lsu.edu.
All Single Reed Day participants who register before March 10th, 2025 will automatically be entered into the event raffle which includes prizes from our event sponsors such as Vandoren, Buffet Crampon, the International Clarinet Association, and more!
Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced clarinet and saxophone enthusiasts! If you’re looking to learn more about your instrument, meet other players, and collaborate, you’re in the right place. LSU Single Reed Day provides clear, practical instruction for musicians of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re just starting or already advancing, we hope that you leave with meaningful connections, renewed motivation, and tools that help you grow
- A dynamic selection of repertoire for clarinet and saxophone quartet
- Engaging clinics and masterclasses
- Focused technique/fundamental sessions for saxophone and clarinet
- Direct, actionable feedback from professionals
- Opportunities to perform alongside peers, colleagues, and current LSU students!
- Practical guidance on improving your playing
- Collaboration with other motivated students
- A supportive, growth-oriented environment
Generally, a master class is aimed at giving a chance for musicians to perform in front of a live audience and get feedback on their playing from the featured teacher. This experience is aimed towards being positive for everyone attending, whether you perform or not. The feedback is often directed towards the performer, but ultimately everyone will learn something new. Essentially, it is a mini lesson with an audience!
LSU's Single Reed Day does not provide lunch to its attendees, but there will be a dedicated lunch break for those participating to get a bite to eat at many of the venues on or around campus that serve food. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch as well.
There are several nearby restaurants and coffee shops for participants to utilize:
- The Chimes
- Spicy Rico
- Chipotle
- Raising Canes
- The Student Union
- Chick-fil-a, Panda Express, Smoothie King, and many more!
- Highland Coffee (serves food as well)
- Cherry Bomb Coffee
- Inga's Subs & Salads
- Many More!
We are located on the intersection between Dalrymple Drive and Infirmary Road. We are also close to the Welcome Center and across the street from the parade ground on the north side.
102 New, Music, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
On weekends, the parking lot for School of Music should be open and free as well as parking spaces on Infirmary Road.
LSU Single Reed Day is intended to be a day just for clarinetists and saxophonists to gather, make some music, and learn new skills!
Featured Artists
We are excited to welcome many distinguished guests who will participate alongside
our acclaimed LSU faculty in Single Reed Day.
Medusa Saxophone Quartet
Founded in 2023, Medusa Saxophone Quartet is a professional all-women ensemble championing historically excluded communities through intentional programming, community concerts, and collaborations with emerging and established composers. MSQ launched Louisiana’s High School Student Composer Project and performs at conferences and schools across the United States.
Charles
Neidich
Clarinetist and conductor Charles Neidich is acclaimed worldwide for his radiant tone, virtuosity, and keen musical intellect. A Naumburg-winning soloist, recording artist, and champion of contemporary music, he appears with leading orchestras, directs New York’s Wa Concert Series, and teaches at Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes.
Kendra
Wheeler
Kendra Wheeler is a saxophonist, educator, and Assistant Professor at Louisiana State
University, integrating performance and equity-driven pedagogy. She has appeared internationally,
commissioned over 25 works, and performs with Medusa Saxophone Quartet. Wheeler founded
the Women of Color in Classical Saxophone Network and co-chairs NASA’s DEIBA Committee.
Bixby
Kennedy
Clarinetist Bixby Kennedy is acclaimed for his supple tone and versatility, appearing
as concerto soloist with major orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra and Houston
Symphony. He performs with the chamber ensemble Frisson, joins the New York New Music
Ensemble, freelances with New York orchestras, and is a sought-after teaching artist.