Jan Halloran, Clarinet

Where did you grow up? McMurray, PA

Where do you currently live? Ayer, MA

What instrument do you play? Clarinet

Educational background: Eastman School of Music, BM
Boston University, MM

Personal Information (family, pets, kids, etc.): My husband Stephen is a composer, pianist and my longtime musical collaborator and we have a daughter named Kayla.

How did you get started in music? I chose the clarinet in my fourth grade instrumental program because all the other girls chose the flute and I wanted to do something different.

What non-PSO musical activities do you participate in? Opera Boston, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Opera North, freelance work with orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout New England. Faculty, Dartmouth College.

What is your favorite PSO memory to date? Sharing the stage with the great Renée Fleming.

Describe a typical day: Every day is different, I like it that way!

What is the question you’re asked most often when you tell people you play with the PSO? Wow, how far is that? (I live in Massachusetts.)

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job? I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Non-musical hobbies: Knitting, reading.

What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to? I’m currently listening to a work in progress being played on the piano. This happens frequently as I live with a composer.

Who or what has been your greatest influence? My grandmother, who lived a life full of integrity, generosity, hard work, and joy in family and friends.

Where are your favorite “eats” in Portland? Sebago Brewing Company, the Corner Room, the Indian restaurant near Merrill.

Filed under: Musicians, Stories

Tags: clarinet, musicians