Katelyn Poetker

Born in Monroe, Louisiana, clarinetist Katelyn Waffer Poetker showcases “Nuance and percision” (Santa Barbara Independent) through her playing. A passionate chamber musician, Katelyn has performed for series such as the Mariposa Concert Series in Santa Barbara, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle. Katelyn is a founding member of ZaRiah.

Katelyn has performed with numerous orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Artosphere Festival Orchestra, Akron Symphony, and the New World Symphony. During her time at Music Academy of the West, she received the honor of winning the Keston MAX competition, which resulted in her residency with the London Symphony Orchestra.

As an educator, her students have received acceptance into festivals such as the Eastern Music Festival, and went on to study at major programs. She has taught lessons for Oberlin College and Conservatory, as well as the Yale University. She is a proud first generation college student, and is committed to increasing music accessibility in underserved communities.

Katelyn is currently pursuing her masters degree at the Yale School of Music, where she is a student of the renowned clarinetist David Shifrin. Prior to her time at Yale, she completed her undergraduate degree at the Oberlin Conservatory, under the tutelage of Richard Hawkins.

Aside from clarinet, she enjoys singing in gospel choir, and playing animal crossing.