David Bissell, Clarinet, Senior Recital

David Bissell is a Panamanian-American clarinetist and woodwind specialist whose interests span the avant-garde, orchestral, chamber, pop, theater, and jazz styles. A Kirkland, WA native, he has been teaching in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 10 years, settling in Bellingham where he holds the bass clarinet chair with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra. He is currently completing his K-12 teaching certificate to fulfil his lifelong dream of teaching band and orchestra. His teaching approach, shaped by his own experience and background, emphasizes body awareness, literacy, and accessibility.

David has appeared with the Bellevue City Opera, Seattle Symphony’s Tiny Tots Concert Series, Philharmonia Northwest, Theater Arts Guild, the Northwest Mahler Festival, and as soloist with the Western Washington University Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his orchestral engagements, he is an avid chamber musician, performing alongside local and international artists in the premieres of new works in collaboration with Seattle Art Museum, New Works for Percussion, Ballet Bellevue, and many more. His teachers include Dr. Rachel Yoder, Erika Block, Jeff Kashiwa, Dr. Florie Rothenberg, and Jennifer Nelson.

Beyond music, David enjoys a variety of interests. In his free time, you can find him honing his baking skills, collecting Pokémon, and indulging in Star Trek marathons.