An emerging soloist, orchestral player, chamber musician, and educator, Emory Freeman explores the various ways music can inspire others to reach their fullest potential. His communities in Cincinnati and Virginia are intrinsic to his artistic identity. Hailing from Central Virginia, his musical upbringing began in a humble band room on clarinet and saxophone. He eventually expanded into youth orchestras, high school show choir, marching band, and wind ensemble. Once he was studying at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Emory found the importance of citizen artistry. Freeman has shared a stage with professional ensembles throughout Richmond, Virginia including the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the pit orchestra for Virginia Repertory Theater. More recently, he has performed as a soloist with the Wind Symphony at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Additional ensembles include Chamber Winds, and the CCM Philharmonia, once under the baton of Louis Langrée. Performing in small ensembles ranging from duos to double wind quintets, he is a versatile and enthusiastic collaborator. Coaches such as Dr. Magda Adamek and Dr. Tiffany Valvo influenced his kinetic approach to ensemble playing. Over the Summers, Emory has received fellowships and attended the National Orchestral Institute, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Summer Institute, the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival and the Buffet Crampon Summer Clarinet Academy. He has also played in masterclasses for Yehuda Gilad, Anton Rist, and Ralph Skiano. An advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts, Emory has served as the treasurer for the CCM Black Student Alliance and as an IDEA Committee member for the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. He has been privileged to work with and host discussions around DEI with personnel from the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. Emory has also attended SphinxConnect in Detroit, Michigan where he was able to connect with other diverse leaders in the artistic community. Emory began his Master of Music studies on full scholarship at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music in the Fall of 2019. He previously graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University receiving a Bachelor of Music Degree. At VCU, Emory was nominated by faculty to receive the Outstanding Achievement in Performance Award, an award that is given to one graduating student annually. His primary teachers include Chris Pell, Ixi Chen, Dr. Tiffany Valvo, and Charles West. Emory is currently a finalist for the principal clarinet position in Montana’s Great Falls Symphony and various regional bands in the Armed Forces.