Kirsten Ahnell

Kirsten Ahnell serves as Instructor of Music in the Department of Music within Kentucky Wesleyan College's College of Fine Arts and Humanities. A native Owensboro musician with 30+ years as principal clarinetist of the Owensboro Symphony, she maintains an active dual career in performance and education while teaching at the collegiate level and through her private studio.

Her academic credentials include:

• Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance, Northwestern University
• Master of Music in Clarinet Performance, Northwestern University
• Artist Diploma in Clarinet Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music

Specializing in clarinet performance and music education, Ms. Ahnell's expertise stems from studies with legendary clarinetists Robert Marcellus and John Mack. Her teaching integrates decades of orchestral experience from performances with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Charleston Symphony, and Orchestra Kentucky, emphasizing technical precision and expressive interpretation for developing musicians.

Ms. Ahnell actively contributes to community music through the River City Wind Trio and her founding of the Brown Bag Lunch Concerts series. Her professional profile reflects a dedicated educator who balances university instruction with ongoing performance commitments across Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia.