Clarinet
B.M., University of Massachusetts, Amherst; M.M., University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Michael Brignolo maintains an active career teaching and performing throughout the Pioneer Valley. A founding member and principal clarinetist of The Valley Winds, he also performs with Panopera and is a member of the music faculty at Westfield State University and Mount Holyoke College. 

Mr. Brignolo earned his Master of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was awarded the prestigious Howard Lebow Memorial Scholarship for demonstrating the highest standards of artistic achievement and participation in the life of the Department. He won the University's Concerto Competition in 2011, performing Carl Maria von Weber's Concerto No. 1 in F Minor with the University Orchestra. Principal teachers include Michael Sussman and Steven Jackson. Mr. Brignolo has performed in master classes for renowned artists such as clarinetist Jon Manasse and the Imani Winds. He has also performed with the Keene Chamber Orchestra, Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the Massachusetts Wind Orchestra. 

With an emphasis on theory and composition during his undergraduate studies, Mr. Brignolo also enjoys composing and arranging music. Most recently, The Valley Winds performed the world premiere of his wind band transcription of the first movement from Witold Lutoslawski’s Symphony No. 1. Mr. Brignolo’s arrangements have also been performed at the Columbia County A Cappella Festival and by various other groups such as the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, UMass Amherst Symphony Orchestra, UMass Amherst Graduate Woodwind Quintet, and The Dynamics A Cappella group.