During her senior year of high school, Mary Capilitan-Pulanco enrolled in clarinet lessons at CMS to prepare for college. As an adult, and then an elementary music teacher herself, she returned to CMS to continue her clarinet studies with John Schwartz. Last summer, after John’s retirement from CMS, Mary went on to complete a Professional Performance Certificate in Clarinet at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). We congratulate Mary on her new position as a Graduate Assistant at Penn State as she pursues a Master’s degree in Wind Band Conducting!
As an itinerant instrumental music teacher at five elementary schools in the Diocese of Allentown, Mary taught beginner band and strings in the Lehigh Valley for several years. She also performed with many ensembles, including the Marine Band of Allentown and the American Legion Band. In 2022, Mary and friends gave a recital in the Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at CMS. Selections included pieces by Messager, Kovacs, Brahms, and a clarinet quartet performing arrangements from Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Watch the recording of the recital here.
During her years at CMS, Mary was also an active volunteer with our musical instrument “petting zoo” at many community events. Of her experience at CMS, Mary shared that she loved “learning from Mr. Schwartz, the great community and support for one another, and the opportunities to perform.” Read more about Mary’s experience as an adult student at CMS.