Sandra – Topeka Capital Journal
Alexandra (Sandra) Chappell, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in clarinet performance from The Catholic University of America with minor courses in piano performance and piano pedagogy. She studied clarinet with Robert Dilutis of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and Eugene Mondie of the National Symphony Orchestra. Former clarinet teachers were Sidney Forrest and James Van Slyke, plus occasional coachings with Steven Barta and Alan Balter. She was principal clarinetist of the Catholic University of America Symphony Orchestra and Opera Orchestra, and performed in the orchestra at the Kennedy Center for a sold-out gala commemorating the 50th anniversary of the music school.
Sandra received her Master of Music degree from The Peabody Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree cum laude from Washburn University, where she was awarded that year’s “Most Outstanding Musician Award.” While in school, she held principal clarinetist positions in the Peabody Opera Orchestra, Peabody Wind Ensemble, Washburn Concert Band, and played in the Topeka Symphony. Later, she was an adjunct instructor at Washburn University and taught clarinet, music appreciation, keyboard theory, master classes, and performed as clarinet soloist on faculty recitals and with the concert band.
U.S. Naval Academy Concert Band – Alexandra Chappell, Principal Clarinetist and Concertmistress
Sandra was awarded the
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal as principal clarinetist and first concertmistress of the U.S. Naval Academy Band, having performed for presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries.
She played major solo passages under Maestro Leonard Slatkin for the Naval Academy’s 150th Anniversary Gala, as well as guest conductors Frederick Fennell, James Barnes, David Holsinger, Robert Jager, and Anthony Maiello. Sandra was clarinet soloist with the USNA Concert Band, led the Woodwind Quintet, and performed in numerous recital series concerts during her military band career.
Sandra has a private music studio for piano students in the Annapolis area and is a freelance clarinetist who was selected to record band music for Alfred and Belwin music publishing companies with top band performers in the Washington, DC, region. Aside from her degree performances, she has performed in the Virginia Grand Military Band concert series and the WindWorks of Washington.
Annapolis Piano Lessons 