« Virtuosic bass clarinetists such as Calvin Falwell continue to expand the instruments capabilities and inspire composers to consider it as a solo voice. » -The Clarinet Journal
Praised for his “great skill and captivating sound” by Clariperu, American clarinetist Calvin Falwell is quickly becoming a sought after soloist and chamber music collaborator. His performances have garnered praise from critics and audiences around the world. A true champion of new music, Calvin has had the privilege of premiering numerous works for both clarinet and bass clarinet including works by Todd Goodman, David Thomas, Max Lifchitz, Suzanne Polak, Bradford Blackburn, Paul Reller, David Stock and Joseph Hallman.
As a soloist he has developed an extensive repertoire for bass clarinet. Solo appearances include concerto performances with the National Sympony of Guatemala, McCormick Percussion Group, West Chester Percussion Ensemble, South Florida Symphony, Beaver Valley Philharmonic and contemporary ensembles in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Louisville. Recent tours have taken him to South America, China and Europe.
As an orchestral musician Calvin held positions with the Sarasota Opera Orchestra and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Calvin has also appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, Florida Orchestra, Louisville Orchestra, Green Mountain Opera and Colorado Music Festival among others. Former faculty appointments include The College of New Jersey, Holy Family University, Wilmington University, Hartwick College Music Festival and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
« The BG Gold Tradition has it all! It strikes the perfect balance between a rich focused sound and ease of projection. Plus, it has style to boot! »
Currently, Calvin holds the 3rd/Bass Clarinet chair with the Sarasota Orchestra in Sarasota, FL and is on faculty at the University of South Florida where he teaches in the School of Music and the USF Honors College. During the summer months can be found performing with the Charlottesville Opera Festival in Virginia.
Constantly in demand as a clinician, Calvin has presented masterclasses at ClariFest Guatemala, the Potsdam Clarinet Summit, University of Evansville Clarinet Workshop, ClariBogota, ClariSax Medellin, Gutape Festival, Shanghai Grand Theater, Boston University, University of Louisville, University of Tampa, Florida Southern College, University of Central Florida, Murray State University, Belmont University, Bethune-Cookman University, SUNY Potsdam, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universidad Distrital, Universidad EAFIT, Universidad Corpas and the National Conservatory de Colombia,
His principal teachers and mentors include Paul Demers (Philadelphia Orchestra), Ron Samuels (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), Tim Zavadil (Minnesota Orchestra), Dallas Tidwell (Louisville Orchestra), Daniel Lochrie (Nashville Symphony) and Scott Locke (Murray State University). Both Calvin’s BM and MM are in Clarinet Performance and are from the University of Louisville and Duquesne University respectively. Calvin is currently completing his Doctorate in Music at Columbia University.
« The BG Gold Tradition is the clear choice for the orchestral bass clarinetist. »
Calvin is a Buffet Group USA, D’Addario Woodwind and BG France Performing Artist. Performing on Buffet Clarinets, D’Addario Reeds and BG Ligatures exclusively.
Calvin lives in Florida with his wife Kerry Falwell, son Zachary and their two cats Ronald & Callie. When not playing Clarinet Calvin is an avid cyclist and races Gravel and Cyclocross for Team Outspokin
