School of Music professor bestowed with international recognition 

Traveling five continents with a clarinet and a mission to educate the next generation of musicians, Mitchell Estrin has dedicated his life to performing and furthering opportunities for other clarinetists.
 
Estrin, professor of clarinet at the University of Florida’s School of Music, recently received Honorary Membership to the International Clarinet Association, or ICA, recognizing his accomplished career as a musician and educator. 
 
This accolade, marking the highest honor in the clarinet world, is said to acknowledge individuals with a distinguished background in the areas of professional service, teaching, performance, and lifetime achievements. 

“Being awarded such a prestigious honor from the ICA is exceptionally meaningful because I was chosen by my clarinet colleagues from around the world,” said Estrin. “I am very humbled to know my professional achievements have made such an impact in my field.”
 
Estrin, a former president and now honorary member of the International Clarinet Association, looks forward to celebrating his 25th teaching anniversary at UF this upcoming year.
 
Estrin serves as music director and conductor of the UF Clarinet Ensemble, having conducted them throughout the United States and Europe, including their three recitals at “ClarinetFest®” hosted by the International Clarinet Association.
 
In 2019, Estrin earned a Guinness World Record, which he still holds for conducting the world’s largest clarinet choir of 367 members. 
 
Estrin has performed in hundreds of concerts, traveling to 38 countries in over 25 international tours. One of his favorite memories was recording a new concerto for clarinet and orchestra in the Czech Republic.
 
“Traveling the world as a musical ambassador and experiencing so many beautiful places, people, and cultures was enriching and inspirational,” he said.
 
Estrin’s accomplishments go beyond the classroom. His work as a recording artist has been recognized by The Recording Academy for his work in hundreds of television commercials and dozens of motion picture soundtracks including “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pocahontas,” “The Untouchables,” “Home Alone 2,” and “You’ve Got Mail.” 
 
It’s no secret Estrin chooses to be a musician out of his genuine love for the craft, having spent 20 years of his career performing with the New York Philharmonic. 
 
“I have enjoyed every moment of my incredible musical journey, and each experience has been magical,” Estrin said. “A few that immediately come to mind are performing and recording the symphonies of Gustav Mahler with the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Leonard Bernstein. The opportunity to perform with the New York Philharmonic next to Stanley Drucker, my teacher, and mentor, was a childhood dream come true.”

Above all his accomplishments, Estrin emphasizes the importance of preparing students to become future leaders and musicians themselves.
 
“Teaching such a remarkable group of talented students has been a great honor,” he said.