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Dr. Jessica Pollack is a multifaceted artist, weaving her talents as a clarinetist, educator, psychologist, and collaborator to craft works that resonate deeply with audiences.
Recent projects include: Part of Me is Water, a narrative album of poetry and contemporary clarinet works; Kopernikus at the Banff Centre; and Ritual/Black Swirls for clarinets with choreography.
Pedagogical projects range from workshops on the psychological aspects of effective performance to a doctoral treatise on the memory systems of skilled music performance.
Currently based in Florida, she graduated from Northwestern University, Bowling Green State University, and Florida State University.
Part of Me is Water: A Story of Resilience in Clarinet and Poetry.
Part of Me is Water is an hour-long narrative album interweaving contemporary classical repertoire, photographs, and readings of original poems written for this project by Pollack. Together, the poetry, music, and images form a narrative arc, exploring themes of trauma, loss, and resilience through the lens of Pollack’s own struggle with performance-related injury and mental health.
Stream wherever music is available:
Spotify | Youtube | AmazonMusic | | Pandora
Experience the journey in the Album or Book.
Enjoy both together for the most immersive experience
For this story, water fluidly moves through different identities, representing anxiety and depression, self-concept, love, and other deeply personal ways of experiencing the world. Each musical work offers a unique perspective on water or the messages water represent in the show. Each poem was influenced by the surrounding musical works, as well as designed to enhance the listener’s experience with each composer’s piece. The project offers a way through emotional turmoil, reminding us that at the heart of any story on pain is resilience.
In the companion book, carefully curated photographs guide the reader through the emotional landscape of the poetry. The colors, textures, and emotions in each image complement the experience of each poem shaping the reader’s journey.
Book Companion Coming This Friday July 19!
Jessica has 8 years of experience teaching students from middle school through adults. With a background in psychology she uses research-based strategies for helping students see tangible improvements while having fun and growing as musicians and learners. Email jessicapollackclarinet@gmail.com for information about lessons.
Jessica is a classically-trained clarinetist, music instructor, and psychology enthusiast based out of Florida.
Program Notes Part of Me is Water
Free November 14, 2022 7:30 pm, FSU