Meet Zachary Gassenheimer, Clarinet

Zachary Gassenheimer, Bio:

Hailing from Miami, Florida, Zachary began playing the clarinet at age six. In addition to being Second Clarinet with the Glens Falls Symphony, he currently holds the Second/Eb Clarinet position with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra and is a clarinet fellow with The Orchestra Now. Zachary has an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School and a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University. While a student at Vanderbilt, he was a finalist in the Concerto Competition and won the Blair Student Woodwind Showcase. While at the Glenn Gould School, Zachary’s chamber music duo, The Rose Duo, won second prize in the GGS Chamber Competition. Zachary has spent his summers at the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the NAC-O mentorship program for emerging and early-career artists. His major instructors include Joaquin Valdepeñas, Bil Jackson, and Bixby Kennedy. In addition to playing clarinet, Zachary enjoys reading, cooking, playing tennis, and spending time with his dog, Stevie.

Zachary Gassenheimer, Q & A:

GFS: When did you first start playing your musical instrument

ZG: I started playing the clarinet at age 6

GFS: Who was most influential in shaping your talent and inspiring your passion for music and your instrument?

ZG: I credit my primary private instructors, Joaquin Valdepeñas, Bil Jackson, and Bixby Kennedy, for helping me become the clarinetist and musician I am today. 

GFS: What are your routines leading up to a concert performance? How do you prepare for concert rehearsals?

ZG: Before a concert, I like to chill out and focus on my playing goals for the day. I start by doing a small warm-up where I get my air and fingers moving while I sort my reeds. I then put my instrument away and go about my day as usual so I can be mentally and physically fresh for the performance. 

GFS: Tell us about what you most love to do outside of your career as a musician?

ZG: Outside of music, I enjoy cooking, playing tennis, watching sports, and taking care of my dog, Stevie.

GFS: What are you most looking forward to in the Glens Falls Symphony 2025-26 Season?

ZG: I am looking forward to meeting, working with, and making music with all of my new colleagues in the Glens Falls Symphony.

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