Katelyn Poetker

Born in Monroe, Louisiana, clarinetist Katelyn Waffer Poetker is currently pursuing her masters degree at the Yale School of Music, where she is a student of the renowned clarinetist David Shifrin. Prior to her time at Yale, she completed her undergraduate degree at the Oberlin Conservatory, under the tutelage of Richard Hawkins.

Katelyn spent the summer of 2022 at Music Academy of the West. During her time at Music Academy she received the honor of winning the Keston MAX competition, which resulted in her residency with the London Symphony Orchestra. Katelyn has performed with numerous orchestras such as the Artosphere Festival Orchestra, Akron Symphony, and the New World Symphony. She is an avid chamber musician, and is a founding member of ZaRiah. She is a proud first generation college student, and is committed to increasing music accessibility in underserved communities.

Aside from clarinet, she enjoys singing in gospel choir, and playing animal crossing.