Dr. Jackie Glazier is an active soloist, chamber musician, orchestral clarinetist, pedagogue and advocate for new music. The UF College of the Arts chose Glazier to be the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award for these vast accomplishments. We caught up with her for a quick Q&A about her music, inspiration and UF memories.
Did you have a role model inspire you to get involved in the arts? Particularly clarinet?
My mom was really involved in music. She was an amateur percussionist. She first introduced me to piano and forced me to go to piano lessons, but clarinet really stuck with me. I would say that Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra program created a love of music for me.
Why was it important for you to implement the arts in your career choice?
I think it is important to do something meaningful as well as challenging. Because there is a limited amount of jobs in classical music, It’s challenging for people to make a living and support themselves. It’s is challenging enough to make it and have a daily job, but having the opportunity to bring the arts to the community is so meaningful, especially teaching and mentoring young people and watching them grow and succeed.
What was your first reaction when you found out you were chosen to win the Outstanding Young Alumni award?
I was really surprised and shocked. I honestly never thought it would happen to me. I felt really honored to be included. It brought back memories of when I attended UF like living on campus and walking around.
What does this award mean to you?
I have a really great relationship with the UF School of Music and participated a lot of alumni projects with the band and Professor Mitchell Estrin. Those experiences were near and dear to my heart. During the four years at UF, I grew so much and learned so much. It was an incredible honor to be at such a huge school with a wonderful reputation.
What about studying at UF was different from your studies at other schools?
I fell in love with UF as an out-of-state student and felt really drawn to Florida. I loved the campus and made dear friends, who I still keep in contact with. The music program was small enough where all the professors knew who I was and remembered me. It was an invaluable experience. As a student, you want individual attention and mentorship, which I received at UF. UF really felt like home.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I would like to say how grateful I am, especially for Professor Mitchell Estrin and Dr. David A. Waybright. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support and mentorship. I’d really like to thank them.
