Barbara Drapcho

Barbara Drapcho, clarinet, holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Northwestern University. She is a member of Quintet Attacca, Grand Prize Winner of the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and Ensemble-in-Residence at the Music Institute of Chicago.

As a member of Quintet Attacca, she has performed on New York City’s Schneider Concert Series, Chamber Music Society of Detroit, and numerous Chicagoland series such as NEIU’s Jewel Box, Chicago Philharmonic’s Chamber Players, Rush Hour, Dame Myra Hess, and live broadcasts on WFMT. She has also performed with Chicago Chamber Musicians, International Chamber Artists, Chamber a music on the Fox, and Milwaukee’s Present Music.

Ms. Drapcho plays principal clarinet with New Philharmonic and is a member of Chicago Philharmonic. She has performed as a soloist with Chicago Arts Orchestra and is a former member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Ms. Drapcho has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Opera Theater, and the Northwest Indiana, South Bend, and Elgin Symphony Orchestras. She is on faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago, North Park University, and Loyola University Chicago.

Hear from Prof. Drapcho: Why Clarinet?

“Simply put, I love the clarinet. I have known from an early age that it’s my life’s purpose. Performing such diverse repertoire with excellent colleagues is a dream come true and it is so gratifying to shape the artistry of all of my students. I especially enjoy helping my students find repertoire that speaks to them and encourages them to figure out their particular style.”

• Bachelor’s — Northwestern University
• Master’s — Northwestern University