Natural ability combined with more than 10 years of practice has led UF student Dale Fedele to become one of the top clarinetists in the world.
After finishing fourth behind musicians from Portugal, China and Chicago in the International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition last year, he will compete again August 3 through 7 for international recognition.
Fedele, 21, of West Palm Beach, said he began his musical career playing the saxophone when he was in third grade. He then picked up the clarinet in middle school and began taking private lessons.
Evan Rogovin, Fedele's high school band director, said he was impressed by Fedele from the beginning.
"Even as a freshman, he possessed the musical intellect and depth of a much older performer," Rogovin said.
Fedele, who is studying political science and music performance, is a member of the UF clarinet studio and he said he takes weekly lessons from his professor.
The International Clarinet Association accepts applicants younger than 27 for the Young Artist Competition, according to the association's website. To qualify for competition, each clarinetist must send in an online application and record three unedited pieces.
The top musicians, including Fedele, are sent to Northridge, Calif., for the semifinal and final rounds of competition.
Fedele said he differs from most of the musicians he competes with, who focus mainly on the amount of time they practice.
"With music, there seems to be this weird myth about how many hours you put in determines how good you are," he said. "I dismiss that. I say it's different for each individual."
While embracing his musical gift, Fedele hopes to expand his career further than just clarinet performance. To be a good instrumentalist, you must study other fields, he said.
"Ultimately, I don't like to be identified as a clarinet player. I don't even like to be identified as a musician," he said. "I want to eventually delve out into many different subjects and combine them with music."
Dale Fedele, who studies political science and music performance, poses with his clarinet outside the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The International Clarinet Association hosted an Young Artists Competition, where Fedele placed fourth.
