Samuel Sparrow

Samuel Sparrow serves as Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet in the Art, Design & Music Department within the College of Arts & Sciences at Queens University of Charlotte since 2019. Concurrently, he holds the position of Section and E-flat Clarinet with the Charlotte Symphony (2017–present), served as Acting Principal Clarinet during the 2018–19 season, and performs with ensembles including the New York Philharmonic and Verbier Festival Orchestra. His collaborations span conductors Valery Gergiev, Alan Gilbert, and soloists Yuja Wang and Martin Fröst.

Mr. Sparrow earned a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the Manhattan School of Music under Mark Nuccio, Anthony McGill, and Pascual Martinez. His advanced training includes residencies at the Brevard Music Center’s Orchestral Institute and California’s Music Academy of the West.

His performance expertise spans orchestral, chamber, and solo repertoire—from Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time (2019) to contemporary works like Matthew Aucoin’s Second Nature. He regularly performs at the Seven Hills Chamber Music Festival and has premiered new compositions including Brooke Pierson’s Concertino for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble (November 2024).

Professional recognition includes the Leon Russianoff Memorial Scholarship and critical acclaim for his "particularly impressive…extended solo movement, stylized with precision" (CVNC Arts Journal).

• Leon Russianoff Memorial Scholarship

As an educator, Sparrow founded Cornelius Youth Orchestras’ Woodwind Ensemble and Challenge Class (2023), coaches Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras, and provides masterclasses at UNC Greensboro, Winthrop University, and Hebrew Union College. His private students have achieved first chairs in NC All-State Band and pursued studies at the North Carolina School of the Arts.

Active in community initiatives, he performs with the Charlotte Pride Band and has collaborated on high-profile projects including a United Nations appearance with Sting.