July 16, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) associate professor of music Denise Gainey has been chosen as a Leblanc endorsing artist and clinician for Leblanc Clarinets.

Gainey is the only preferred artist in clarinet with Leblanc in Alabama. As an endorsing artist, Gainey will participate in master classes and recitals sponsored by Leblanc. She also will have an artist page on their Web site, along with some of the top clarinetists in the world, where she can post her performance schedule, videos of her teaching and performing and more. The company produces a magazine that is sent to all music teachers across the country, and Gainey will be able to submit articles on teaching and performing. 

"The company is very visible in the music world both for performance and for music education," Gainey said. "It is a great opportunity to let people know what we have to offer here at UAB."

In 2004, Leblanc, a long-standing maker of clarinets, founded in 1946 and based in Wisconsin, was purchased by Conn-Selmer Inc., a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments. Conn-Selmer Inc. is the leading manufacturer and distributor of band and orchestral instruments for professional, amateur and student use.