Meet the Musician: Jenni Yang
If you’ve enjoyed the bright, expressive woodwind section at a Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra concert, you’ve undoubtedly heard the work of clarinetist Jenni Yang.
Based right here in Stevens Point, Jenni has been a vital part of the CWSO family for nearly three decades! She first joined the orchestra as a substitute way back in 1997, officially becoming a permanent member of the section in 2001. That is 25 years of official membership (and 29 years of total music-making!) dedicated to bringing classical music to our community.
We interviewed Jenni to find out what keeps her inspired, how she fell in love with her instrument, and which superhero best describes the clarinet.
For Jenni, the clarinet is practically a family tradition. Her path to the instrument began at home, sparked by a single, unforgettable performance.
“My mom plays the clarinet,” Jenni says. “I heard her play the Rondo from the Mozart Clarinet Concerto when I was 10 years old, and I was hooked!”
That timeless Mozart melody set Jenni on a lifelong path. Today, her musical tastes span centuries of incredible writing. While she holds a deep appreciation for the mastery of J.S. Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, she is also a huge fan of 20th-century greats like Aaron Copland and Francis Poulenc.
When it comes to her absolute favorite symphonic work, however, she looks to the theater: Leonard Bernstein’s sparkling, high-energy Overture to Candide takes the top spot.
One of our favorite questions to ask musicians is how they view their instrument’s “personality.” For Jenni, the clarinet isn’t just wood and keys, it has some serious alter-ego energy.
If her instrument were a superhero, Jenni says it would undoubtedly be Supergirl.
“My clarinet has a beautiful, soaring tone,” she explains, “but she can also pack a punch!”
When Jenni steps away from the music stand, she fully embraces the beautiful Wisconsin seasons. In the winter, you’ll find her gliding through the snow cross-country skiing. During the warmer months (or cozy nights in), she loves to unwind by knitting.
And if you want to win her heart after a great concert? Skip the plain vanilla. Jenni’s go-to treat is a scoop of Coconut Chocolate Almond ice cream!
The next time you’re at a CWSO performance, listen out for the “Supergirl” of the woodwind section. We are incredibly grateful for Jenni’s 29 years of passion, dedication, and beautiful music!