About Us

Matthew Erickson is a sophomore at the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific studying music performance with Dr. Patricia Shands. While in high school, Matthew was a 4 year member of the FMCMEA Honor Band, the FMCMEA County Honor Band, and principal clarinet of the CBDA All-State Symphonic Band. He was the 2011 recipient of the Director's Award at Buchanan High School. As a member of the Buchanan Jazz Band, Matthew recorded the album "Infinity," which was ranked #1 in Downbeat Magazine for high school recorded ensembles. At Pacific, Matthew is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and has played in master classes for David Shifrin and Franklin Cohen. In 2013, Matthew was invited to perform in the Pacific Honors Recital.

 Sarah Hafley is studying Music and Business Management at the University of the Pacific, where she is a member of the Concinnity Quartet and studies clarinet with Dr. Patricia Shands. Sarah is a Powell Scholar and a recipient of the Excellence in Performance scholarship from the Conservatory of Music. She has performed in many ensembles in California, including the University of the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the All-Southern California Honor Band, and was principal clarinet of the All-San Diego Honor Band and Orchestra. Sarah is a member of the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, Sigma Alpha Pi Leadership Honor Society, Delta Delta Delta, Sigma Alpha Iota, and is a fellow with the Student Affairs Leaders of Tomorrow program. Sarah will be presenting at the 2013 ACPA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. She is an Office Manager within New Student & Family Programs at the University of the Pacific, and was an Orientation Director for summer 2011 and 2012. Sarah will attend graduate school for Education Administration and Leadership beginning Fall 2013.

Matthew Jansen Giraldo is a Panamanian clarinetist currently pursuing a major in clarinet performance at the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific, studying with Dr. Patricia Shands. Matthew's tuition is graciously covered by scholarships from the Conservatory of Music, the School of International Studies, and IFARHU. At Pacific, he was invited to perform in the 2012 Pacific Honors Recital and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. From 2006-2007, Matthew served as a student conductor for his high school band. As a performer, he has traveled to many countries, including the United States, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. He received first prize in the 2010 Central American Clarinet Competition and performed as concertmaster for the 2009 Central American Clarinet Orchestra. He has premiered and recorded works by composers from Panama, Mexico, and the United States. Matthew has performed with JOCCA (Joven orchesta y choros de Centro America), as a soloist with the Guatemalan National Symphony Orchestra, and was a featured performer along with Danilo Perez and John Patitucci at the 10th Panama Jazz Festival. He has performed in master classes for David Shifrin, Franklin Cohen, Sauro Berti, Antonio Saiote, and Marco Antonio Mazzini, among others.

Sean Widger is currently in his fourth year of study as an undergraduate clarinet performance major at the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific, where he studies with Dr. Patricia Shands. He is recipient of the Excellence in Performance scholarship and the Joseph E. Foster Exceptional Performer award. At Pacific, Sean performs with the University Symphony Orchestra and is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, the Orchestra Student Committee, and the Fishing Club. Sean has been a member of the Russian Dragon Trio (clarinet, viola, and piano), performing at the University of the Pacific and Asilomar chamber music workshop. In high school, Sean was a member of many honors ensembles, including the CBDA All-State Honor Band, and was principal clarinet of the Central Valley Youth Symphony, CMEA All-Northern California Band, the Cal Poly All-State Music Festival Band, and the San Joaquin County Honor Band. In 2009, he was the winner of the Central Valley Youth Symphony Concerto Competition and the Tracy High School Concerto Competition. Sean received a Performing Arts Diploma from the Tracy High School performing arts magnet, where he served as Drum Major. As a student conductor, Sean led the Tracy High School Symphonic Band to a unanimous superior rating at the Foothill High School Symphonic Band Festival. Sean has appeared in a recording by Tom Renner for the television program "The History of Jazz" on the History Channel. Sean plans to attend graduate school and to play the clarinet professionally.