Romance and Reed Instruments

Nancy Araujo, Clarinet

By day, Nancy Araujo teaches math at Selkirk High School. But every Thursday night she transforms into the Kimberley Community Band’s principal clarinetist, fearless leader of its ever-growing reed section.

Nancy has always enjoyed being a musician and finds that playing with the KCB provides a fun and challenging escape from the trials of daily life. Nancy honed her skills over five years at the International Music Camp, held at the Peace Gardens on the border between Manitoba and North Dakota. She enjoyed the experience and challenge of playing with very advanced musicians, particularly the huge clarinet choir.

Nancy’s most memorable moment with the KCB happened 11 years ago, when her now-husband Mario walked in to a rehearsal, carrying his saxophone and wondering if there was a place for him in the band. “I took one look at him and thought, there is someone I should get to know,” says Nancy. “I think the rest of the band had a good time watching us interact. My sister Michele, who is in the flute section, said she knew we’d end up married.”