Reflections from ICA 2025
I say all the time in coaching and in teaching: “Worrying is a misuse of your imagination.”
I came to Texas worried! Would I feel safe? Would I belong? Who am I in this world if I’m no longer able to make music? Would I be seen as a charlatan?
But those fears didn’t last long. It wasn’t just that the event was well-run or the clarinet playing was excellent—it was the quiet, heartfelt moments that reminded me I was home. In the hallway. After a concert. Following a class. People paused to say, “Thank you. I’m grateful for the work you’re doing.”
You cannot imagine the affirmation and quiet healing that came from those words.
Jackie and I stayed busy. We coordinated nine masterclasses with world-class pedagogues—sometimes three a day—introducing, timing, and witnessing brilliance as each teacher poured their heart into each student. It was beautiful to watch. These weren’t just classes; they were masterful moments of transformation.
We also presented twice.
On Friday, we explored how to integrate Body Mapping into your teaching. We reminded the group: “This is not anatomical memorization—it’s using anatomical reality to unlock musical artistry.” In 30 minutes, we guided participants through four simple mapping changes and then invited them to partner up, try them out, and feel the impact for themselves.
On Saturday, we stepped into something new. We presented on the Self Map—the topic we unpack in the final section of Body Mapping for Clarinetists. This was vulnerable ground. It was our first time bringing this content into a public space, and we knew it required more than slides or explanation—it required presence. We began with a somatic centering and community-building practice to create a safe, connected, and shared space for deep work.
It was powerful. For us. For those in the room. For what’s possible moving forward.
We were thrilled to meet many of you at the Clarinet Music for All booth—thank you for stopping by, sharing your stories, and supporting our book. It was a little surreal (and sweet) to sign so many copies and hear how this work is already making a difference in your lives.
Friday evening brought joyful celebration with our Buffet family at the 200th Anniversary party—so many familiar faces, new friends, and artists we hadn’t seen since Denver.
This year, I carried two roles:
– As the DEI Representative on the ICA Artistic Leadership Team. I worked behind the scenes with an incredible group led by Mary Druhan to ensure this festival ran with care and integrity.
– And alongside Jackie McIlwain as Pedagogy Coordinators of ICA, a role that required full hearts, full schedules, and full presence for four incredible days.
I didn’t get to see everyone, but for those I did see, our connections felt meaningful, authentic, and lasting.
I’m leaving ClarinetFest full of gratitude. Grateful for what we shared. Thankful for what we’re building together. I am grateful to be part of a community that listens, grows, and imagines a different future.
I’ll be writing more about all of this in the months to come, so stay tuned.
And if the ideas of Body Mapping, self-mapping, and somatic work are calling to you, I invite you to join Jackie and me in our next Becoming mBODYed Cohort, beginning August 16. It’s a space where we move together toward integration, wholeness, and artistry—one breath, one shift, one choice at a time. Use ClarinetFest2025 before July 30 (I’m moving that date forward so I have enough time to meet with everyone) and get 10% off the first year of tuition.
With care and deep thanks,
Shawn