While the clarinet was not her first instrument choice in beginning band (flute was her top pick), Jennifer Royals quickly learned to like her second choice and turned a school hobby into a career and lifelong love for music. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Arts degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Central Florida. In addition to playing with the SCSO, she also plays with the Treasure Coast Opera and Wind Ensemble, the Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra, and performs as a freelance musician. She is a member of the International Clarinet Association and recently performed at its 2010 Clarinet Fest in Austin, Texas. While she is not caring for her two young children, she teaches clarinet lessons and classes at local middle and high schools. Jennifer and her family live in Vero Beach and enjoy scuba diving, boating, and of course great music!

What is your favorite aspect about being a musician?  Working together with others to produce beautiful, passionate music for all to enjoy.

Which composers most inspire you?  Those that are able to take me away with their music; Debussy, Copland, and Berstein to name a few.

What are your favorite recordings?  I have a tie. Richard Stoltzman performing Copland’s Clarinet Concerto with Michael Thomas conducting the London Symphony Orchestra (the beginning always makes me cry) and  John Williams conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra performing Debussy’s Clair de lune arranged by H. Mouton and W. Piston.

What piece are you looking forward to most in the SCSO's 2010 - 2011 Season?  Most definitely Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.