Tod Kerstetter (1963-2021)
Dr. Tod Kerstetter was a clarinetist and professor of music in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, and served as treasurer of the ICA since 2012. Tod was involved in many commissions of clarinet works, including compositions by David Maslanka, Mauricio Murcia, Kevin Walczyk and Craig Weston. As an arranger and editor, his published editions included Howard Hanson’s Fantasy for Clarinet (Carl Fischer), two of Johann Molter’s concertos for E-flat (originally D) clarinet and piano (Prairie Dog Press), Franz Krommer’s Op. 71 Concerto for Two Clarinets with String Orchestra (Alry Publications), and Franz Strauss’s Op. 7 Nocturno arranged for solo horn and clarinet ensemble (WaveFront Music). Tod also co-authored with Robert Chesebro the clarinet pedagogy book "The Everyday Virtuoso," available from Woodwindiana in Bloomington, Indiana. He received degrees in clarinet performance from Furman University (B.M.), Indiana University (M.M.), and the University of Georgia (D.M.A.). His clarinet teachers included James Campbell, Robert Chesebro, Henry Gulick, Theodore Jahn, Dieter Klocker and Richard Waller.
During his battle with cancer, Tod continued to teach clarinet at Kansas State University; he also continued in his role as treasurer for the ICA. Tod also created YouTube videos where he performed many of his clarinet arrangements including Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” (Here, Tod had joked with his children that since he had 139 subscribers, he should sell merchandise).
Away from his clarinet performing and teaching, Tod was a family man. He married his wife Jackie in 1989, who is a horn player and professor at Kansas State University. Tod was also a loving father. At any clarinet event, you would hear Tod’s infectious laughter as he shared stories about his beloved boys.
During his battle with cancer, Tod continued to teach clarinet at Kansas State University; he also continued in his role as treasurer for the ICA. Tod also created YouTube videos where he performed many of his clarinet arrangements including Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” (Here, Tod had joked with his children that since he had 139 subscribers, he should sell merchandise).
Away from his clarinet performing and teaching, Tod was a family man. He married his wife Jackie in 1989, who is a horn player and professor at Kansas State University. Tod was also a loving father. At any clarinet event, you would hear Tod’s infectious laughter as he shared stories about his beloved boys.