Crystal Hanson
Education
K-12 Teaching Certificate in Music Education – Portland State University (1981)
M.M. in Clarinet Performance – University of Oregon (1980)
B.A. in Clarinet Performance – Portland State University (1977)
Biography
Crystal Hanson has been teaching clarinet players in the Anchorage area for almost forty years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Portland State University in Oregon. During her time in Portland, Ms. Hanson was a clarinetist in the Portland Junior Symphony under the direction of Jacob Avshalomov, Ms. Hanson attended the University of Oregon as a recipient of the Ruth Lorraine Close Scholarship. After completing her Master’s Degree, she was invited to teach at the Alaska Fine Arts Camp in Wasilla, Alaska. Realizing that teaching was her passion, she returned to Portland State University to complete the coursework required to obtain her K-12 teaching certificate in music. Ms. Hanson accepted the position of Music Director for the Crane, Oregon schools where she taught high school and middle school band and choir, and elementary music. Returning to the Alaska Fine Arts Camp to teach each summer, one day she decided to stay. Ms. Hanson was a teacher for the Anchorage School District for thirty years before her retirement. She taught classroom music for twenty-eight years, and educational technology for two years. She also served as the clarinet coach for the Anchorage Youth Orchestras. In addition to teaching, Ms. Hanson has enjoyed performing as a clarinetist for Anchorage area orchestras and bands.