Percussionist, Freelancer, Entrepreneur, Arts Administrator, and Assistant Dean for Professional Development and Personal Engagement at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Kristen Klehr stops by to talk about her college teaching, creating one’s own arts ecosystem, and performing “Athletic Percussion” (03:25), growing up in Binghamton (NY), her musical background, NYSSMA, New York high school sports, and her dance background (24:10) attending Baldwin-Wallace College (OH) for undergrad, living above an Italian bakery, and advocating for students and colleagues (43:15), attending Florida State University for grad school, working with FSU’s orchestras, and singing while playing marimba (57:40), producing music festivals, starting her own business, and “betting on yourself” (01:11:10), and finishes with the Random Ass Questions, including segments on business philosophies, percussion triangles, impression, email signatures, NY food staples, and the Golden State Valkyries (01:33:05).
Finishing with a Rave on a recently attended live performance of Ozomatli during their 30th Anniversary tour (02:07:25).
Kristen Klehr’s links:
“I Remember Her” - Marimba/Voice arrangement
Previous Podcast Guests mentioned in the show:
Third Coast Percussion Month in 2025
Other Links:
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium trailer
The Confident Mind - Dr. Nate Zinsser
The Inner Game of Tennis - W. Timothy Gallwey
The Artist’s Way - Julia Cameron
“Music for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion” - PDQ Bach
Raves: