Brian Schappals

Brian Schappals is a clarinetist, composer, educator and founding member of The Winds5 Wind Quintet based in Seattle, WA, an American Prize finalist. He holds a Master’s in Music degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Washington and Bachelor’s of Arts degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Composition from Whitworth University. Brian is the principal clarinetist of Northwest Symphony Orchestra and an active musician in the greater Seattle area, having played with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Modern Orchestra, Emerald Ballet Academy Orchestra, Inverted Space Ensemble, Seattle Collaborative Orchestra, Saratoga Orchestra, The Sound Ensemble, and Bellingham Chamber Chorale. He recently participated in an album recording of Harry Partch's original version of The Bewitched with the Harry Partch Ensemble.

Brian is also an active composer of contemporary classical music and serves as an Adjunct Faculty of Music Composition at Whitworth University. While specializing in compositions for clarinet, he is well-versed in composing for a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, electro-acoustic pieces, and choral works. Most recently, Brian has been nominated as a finalist for the American Prize in Wind Ensemble Composition's Professional Division for his concerto for clarinet and mixed ensemble titled light...pale and angered. He has also received commissions for compositions from three professors at Whitworth University and two students, which includes a professional commission from Dr. Philip Baldwin – the director of the Symphony Orchestra.