In this special double-feature episode of Journeys: A MACSA Podcast, we welcome back Clarisa De la Garza, composer, clarinetist, and educator—joined by Dr. Nicholas Councilor, Assistant Professor of Practice, Clarinet, and Music at UTSA and a celebrated performer and clarinet pedagogue. 🎶 Clarisa returns to discuss her newest compositions: ✨ Rhapsody No. 1 "Impressions" (solo with electronics) ✨ For Isa Both works are now available at 👉 cdelagarzamusic.com 📖 Rhapsody No. 1 "Impressions" is a deeply emotional and genre-blending piece based on the seven stages of grief, inspired by progressive rock and metal. This new version—with electronic accompaniment—reflects her original soundscape vision. 🛒 Sheet Music:https://cdelagarzamusic.com/sheet-mus... 🎧 Audio Downloads:https://cdelagarzamusic.com/audio-dow... 🎼 Dr. Nicholas Councilor discusses his multifaceted career as a performer and educator and the upcoming ClarinetFest. 🎉 Support the UTSA Clarinet Choir! They’ve been invited to perform a WORLD PREMIERE by Clarisa De la Garza at ClarinetFest 2025 in Fort Worth! 🧡 Help them get there:https://fund.utsa.edu/campaigns/utsa-... 📌 Topics in this Episode: 🎵 New music and storytelling through composition 🎓 Teaching and building clarinet communities 🌎 International performance opportunities 🎤 Artist journeys, creative vision, and legacy ✨ Start your musical journey today with MACSA! Visit: www.macsainc.com 📲 Follow us on Social Media Instagram: @macsainc Facebook: @macsainc YouTube:‪@MACSAinc‬

In this episode of Journeys: A MACSA Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Michael Clark—a pianist, assistant professor of piano at Baylor University, and founder of PianoTricks.net. Dr. Clark shares his inspiring musical journey, from his early beginnings to his current projects, including his newly published Florence Price book: 📖 Florence Price: Rediscovered Gems for Piano Solo – https://www.halleonard.com/product/14... We dive into his passion for teaching, performance, and music research, as well as the legacy of Florence Price, a groundbreaking composer whose works are being rediscovered today. 📌 Topics Covered: 🎶 Michael’s musical journey and influences 🎼 His work as a professor at Baylor University 📖 Research on Florence Price and his newly published book 💡 Insights for pianists and music educators 🎧 Watch now and be inspired by Dr. Clark’s journey! 🎵 Start your musical journey today with MACSA! Visit us at https://www.macsainc.com/ 📲 Follow us on social media! 🔹 Instagram: / macsainc 🔹 Facebook: / macsainc 🔹 YouTube: ‪@MACSAinc‬

In this episode of Journeys: A MACSA Podcast, we welcome the multi-talented Steena Hernandez—a dancer, vocalist, and author with an inspiring story to share. From touring with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to performing on Broadway in Rent, Steena’s career is filled with incredible moments, but her path wasn’t always easy.

She opens up about her early start in music, her journey to becoming an author, and the reality of handling rejections in the performing arts. We also discuss her debut children's book, Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers, and the importance of diverse representation in literature.

📌 Topics Covered: 🎭 Performing on Broadway and touring with TSO 📖 Writing Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers & storytelling as an artist 💡 Overcoming challenges & rejection in the arts 🎶 The passion that fuels a lifelong creative career

🎧 Watch now and be inspired by Steena’s journey! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring amazing artists and educators.

#MACSAPodcast #SteenaHernandez #BroadwayPerformer #TSO #MusicEducation #Dancer #AuthorLife