Michael Gersten serves as Assistant Professor of Woodwinds at South Texas College and Co-Principal Clarinet of the Valley Symphony Orchestra. He has shared his expertise in klezmer music, modern music, improvisation, and education through numerous performances, lectures, and workshops across the country. Dr. Gersten's work has been recognized and supported with grants from organizations including the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission, the Rea Charitable Trust, and the McAllen Arts Council. Notable appearances include the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors Conference, the New Music Gathering, and ClarinetFest. A Chicago area native, he has studied with Larry Maxey and Stephanie Zelnick at the University of Kansas and Bil Jackson and Lauren Jacobson at the University of Northern Colorado.

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