Amplifying Central American Voices Through Clarinet Repertoire
As a clarinetist and scholar of Guatemalan heritage, my research is deeply rooted in exploring and elevating the music of Central America, particularly works that have long been underrepresented in classical performance and scholarship. My work focuses on bringing visibility to clarinet repertoire from Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama, engaging with composers whose voices are too often left out of the canon.
During my Doctor of Musical Arts studies at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory, I dedicated my doctoral research to uncovering and performing clarinet music from the Central American region. This work culminated in a lecture recital, scholarly website, CD with liner notes, and full length recital that contextualizes the historical, cultural, and political backdrop of these works, while advocating for their inclusion in mainstream pedagogy and performance programming.
Recent Projects Include:
- Lecture Recital: Guatemalan Music for the Clarinet
- Featuring contemporary works by Guatemalan composers Dieter Lehnhoff, Hugo Arenas, Job Sis, and Sergio Reyes Mendoza. Includes a brief history of Guatemala, their art music, composer biographical information, analysis, and performance of works.
- World Premiere Performance:
- Resilience of the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala by Sergio Reyes Mendoza with the Harlem Chamber Players in New York City.
- Archival & Field Research:
- Ongoing efforts to source scores, interview composers, and create accessibly resources for performers and educators interested in Latin American and Central American music.
Why this matters:
This research is both personal and political, it is about making space for the voices and histories that reflect my own identity and heritage. I believe expanding the canon begins with intentional programming, inclusive pedagogy, and community-centered scholarship. My goal is to inspire performers, educators, and institutions to explore and embrace this vibrant repertoire.
Access my work:
Explore recordings, written research, and additional resources related to my work on Central American clarinet music:
- Lecture Recital
- Guatemalan Music for the Clarinet
- Debut Recording
- Voices of the Isthmus: Contemporary Clarinet Sounds from Central America
- Scholarly Website
- Guatemalan Music for the Clarinet
- An evolving digital hub for Guatemalan clarinet music, featuring repertoire, composer bio, clarinetists, additional resources, and more.
- Recital
- Contemporary Clarinet Music by Central American Composers
- Features 1st place winner of UMKC Amplifying Voices: Best Recording of Previously Unrecorded Work – Miradas Azules by Sergio R. Reyes Mendoza
Marie Gallardo, clarinet 