NOV15
Kickoff to the Holidays Market
12:00 PM · Sheraton Denver West Hotel
Denver, Colorado · Since 1973
The Ambler Clarinet Choir
Bringing clarinetists together for more than 50 years.
Upcoming performancesOur story
More than 50 years of clarinet music
The Ambler Clarinet Choir traces its roots to the clarinet choirs Donald Ambler organized for early meetings of the National Clarinet Clinic and later the International Clarinet Society in Denver during the 1970s. The ensemble was originally known as the Colorado Clarinet Choir.
For the 1984 I.C.S./ClariNetwork International meeting in London, Mr. Ambler assembled an elite ensemble of professionals and top students. He also conducted the Colorado Youth Clarinet Choir, made up of his own students, students of other teachers and freelance players.
After Donald Ambler's death in 2013, members renamed the ensemble The Ambler Clarinet Choir in honor of their mentor.
Founder & mentor
Donald Ambler
Donald Ambler served as bass clarinetist with the Denver Symphony and Colorado Symphony Orchestras from 1962 to 1992. As a performer, teacher and mentor, he brought clarinetists together and created an ensemble whose inclusive spirit continues today.
Over the years, the choirs were conducted by Mr. Ambler, Dr. Ray Kireilis and distinguished professionals including Frank Stackow, David Harmon, David Etheridge, Russell Howland, Carl Topilow and Tom Jensen.
Hear us live
Upcoming Performances
Join the ACC around the Denver area this holiday season.
DEC11
Boettcher Concert Hall Lobby
6:30 PM · Before the Colorado Symphony's A Colorado Christmas
Colorado Symphony concert & tickets →DEC12
Boettcher Concert Hall Lobby
1:30 PM & 5:00 PM · Before the Colorado Symphony's A Colorado Christmas
Colorado Symphony concert & tickets →DEC13
Green Center · Colorado School of Mines
2:00 PM · Before the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra holiday concert
Jefferson Symphony Orchestra →Looking ahead
Spring 2027
The Ambler Clarinet Choir recently joined the Rocky Mountain Flute Choir for a joint concert. We expect to reprise the collaboration in Spring 2027. Watch this space for details.
Performances Through the Years
Over its history, the choir has performed at nursing homes and assisted living centers, Ridge Home State Home, Fletcher Miller School, Elitch Gardens, the Breckenridge summer music festival, schools and libraries, and as a yearly fixture in the lobby before Colorado Symphony holiday concerts. Its July 2023 ClarinetFest appearance marked the fourth time since 1973 the group had performed for the international clarinet organization.
Watch & listen
The ACC in Performance
Moonlight Serenade
Glenn Miller · Arranged by Calvin Custer
Performed by the Ambler Clarinet ChoirOverture to The Marriage of Figaro
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart · Arranged by Lucien Cailliet
Performed by the Ambler Clarinet ChoirPlay with us · Invite us
Join the ACC
Donald Ambler created the choir to be inclusive. In that spirit, we invite clarinetists—including students—to contact us about joining the ensemble. We also welcome inquiries from organizations and venues interested in an ACC performance.
Contact the ACCExecutive Director Alan Goral · alan.goral@gmail.com