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Amanda Walker, clarinet
International clarinetist Amanda Walker studied with British legend, Dame Thea King at the Royal College of Music, famed clarinetist Gary Gray at UCLA and the revered Yehuda Gilad at USC. Amanda has freelanced with many orchestras in Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Music Center Opera Orchestra and has played for many shows as part of the Pantages Theatre Orchestra.
Critically acclaimed, Amanda’s playing has been celebrated for its “virtuoso technique which provided moments of unforgettable illumination”.
An accomplished Chamber Musician and member of Viklarbo and the European Trio, Amanda has participated on various series. Notable highlights include Camerata Pacifica, the Getty Summer Series and performances within the opulent ambience of Greystone Mansion.
Amanda has recorded for over forty films such as, Pirates of the Caribbean, Castaway, Peter Pan, Team America, Gattaca, South Park, City Slickers II, Atlantis,What Women Want, and America’s Sweethearts to name a few.
Appearing on the Tonight Show with the four Tenors, “Il Divo” was a career highlight. Additional credits include the series, “Legends of Chima” and Visa commercials enriched with the iconic voice of Morgan Freeman.
As an esteemed educator, Amanda’s expertise is in high demand. Currently on the faculty of UC Irvine entering her twenty-fifth year, her influence has guided former students to excel at esteemed institutions like Cincinnati, Minnesota and New England Conservatories, as well as prestigious universities including Michigan, Northwestern, Princeton, Stanford and her alma mater, UCLA. Her private studio nurtures top-tier talent, frequently earning Principal positions in honor ensembles such as CBDA and SCSBOA, a testament to her unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging talents. Her dedication is mirrored in the achievement of her students, such as the exceptional Junior, Hannah Webb, who was recently a finalist for the International Clarinet Association’s High School Solo Competition, an honor accentuated by her selection for Tanglewood’s prestigious Symphony Orchestra, from a pool of 75 plus applicants.
Sought after as a coach, Amanda spends the summer at the Idyllwild School for the Arts and most recently, the Montecito International Music Festival. During the year she coaches for Elemental Music, Junior Chamber Music and Los Angeles Youth Orchestra. She resides in Santa Monica with her husband Randy and is very proud to be Mum to their son, London, who is a French Horn player. Through her unwavering commitment to the world of music, her life resonates with passion and artistry.