Who: Clarinet performer Dominic Livigni

What: Livigni teaches in a program called Opening Minds Through the Arts with Tucson Unified School District.

Bio: Livigni was born in Tucson. He went to high school in Florida and completed his undergraduate degree at the UA last year. Livigni played with the Wind Ensemble and the Arizona Symphony while at the UA.

Wildcat: When did you first start playing the clarinet?

Livigni: I started at age 11, and I’ve been playing for 16 years now.

W: How did this come about?

L: I started with the band program in middle school and loved it so much I got addicted.

W: What kind of music inspires you when you play the clarinet?

L: Well, the genre of music that I focus on is classical. I especially love the music of Brahms, Mozart and Stravinsky.

W: What is your favorite song to play on the clarinet?

L: That is really difficult. I love the Brahms clarinet sonatas.

W: What do you like about them so much?

L: Where to start? They are masterpieces of the Romantic era – beautiful, well-crafted, challenging works that exploit the expressive character of the clarinet.

W: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

L: I see myself playing professionally and also maintaining an active teaching schedule.

W: What do you think of Tucson?

L: I love it and consider it home. Lots of natural beauty and a laid-back atmosphere.

W: What is your favorite color?

L: Blue.

W: What is your favorite food?

L: Sushi.

W: What is your favorite song to sing in the shower?

L: My neighbors would kill me if I did that.

W: Favorite book?

L: “”The Teachings of Don Juan”” by Carlos Castaneda.

W: What is your fondest memory as a kid?

L: Getting a toy piano for Christmas when I was 5 years old.