Oboe Oh-Wooo!

Clinicians

Nermis Mieses is the Associate Professor of Oboe at Michigan State University, a versatile performer who enjoys bringing to life oboe literature from the baroque to the 21st century. This has led her to earn top prizes at the prestigious Barbirolli International Oboe Competition, the First International Oboe Competition in Santa Catarina, Brazil, and the Matthew Ruggiero International Woodwind Competition. Now, she passionately serves as adjudicator of multiple competitions and formerly served as chair of the International Double Reed Society Gillet-Fox Competition for Oboe. As part of her research interests, she continues to champion challenging repertoire from the iconic French oboe composer, Gilles Silvestrini, as well as music from underrepresented composers. As a recitalist, she is frequently featured on university and conservatory stages across the nation and as part of the International Double Reed Society annual conferences.

Equally dedicated to ensemble playing, she enjoyed nine seasons as Principal Oboe of the Michigan Opera Theatre and has frequently performed with orchestras such as Ann Arbor, Sphinx, ProMusica Chamber, Rochester, Lexington, and the Michigan Philharmonic. Internationally, she has performed with Camerata Colonial in Dominican Republic, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Thy Chamber Music Festival in Denmark and the Chineke! Orchestra in Europe.

Passionate about her oboe studio, Dr. Mieses is known for her nurturing yet ambitious teaching style rooted in a culture of self-worth and belonging. She instructs with an evolving teaching philosophy that seeks meaningful experiences through the exploration of music. Excited about mentoring, she guides her students to grow as learners, instrumentalists, musicians and ultimately, artists. Previously, she taught at Bowling Green State University, University of Kentucky, Ohio Northern and Hillsdale College.

She holds D.M.A. and M.M. degrees from the University of Michigan under Dr. Nancy Ambrose King, where she was recently conferred the 2020 Paul Boylan Award by the School of Music Theatre and Dance Alumni Society of Governors. She is a proud mother of two children and frequently performs with her husband and pianist, Xavier Suarez.

Karen Barnick Pfeifer is the Instructor of Oboe at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. A passionate music educator, she is dedicated to cultivating musical excellence and a lifelong love of music in each of her students.

In 2011, Karen was honored with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Music Educator's Award for her outstanding contributions to oboe instruction. Her students have achieved remarkable success, including recognition as two-time YoungArts finalists and a U.S. Marine Band Concert Competition finalist. They have also earned first-chair placements in the National Orchestra and Band (NAfME), secured multiple OMEA All-State Band and Orchestra positions, and held principal chairs in top regional select ensembles.

Karen is an active advocate for the music community. She has presented at the Ohio Music Educators Association Conference, including her engaging session "Lions, Tigers, and Oboes! My!" She organized "Oboe Song," a performance series that highlighted student talents at the Ohio State Fair art gallery. At Ohio Wesleyan University, she frequently performs, leads an annual Oboe Master Class Series, and conducts group reed-making classes to enhance students' skills.

Beyond the university, Karen is a faculty member at Chamber Music Connection and Co-Chair of its Scholarship Committee. She is also a respected adjudicator for the New Albany Concerto Competition, contributing her expertise to fostering young talent.

As a performer, Karen serves as Principal Oboist for the New Albany Symphony Orchestra and Central Ohio Symphony. She has been a featured soloist with these ensembles and previously held the position of Principal Oboist with the Columbus Bach Ensemble and Opera Project Columbus. Her orchestral experience also includes performances with the Columbus Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Mansfield Symphony, Camarata and more. Karen's educational journey began at The Ohio State University, where she earned dual undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Oboe Performance under the guidance of William P. Baker. She completed her Master of Music in Oboe Performance at Temple University, studying with the renowned English hornist Louis Rosenblatt of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Karen resides in Dublin, Ohio, with her husband Bob, a clarinetist, and their family, including their beloved fluffy dog. Together, they share a rich musical life and contribute to the vibrancy of the Central Ohio arts community.