Born in Montpellier, France, Mathieu Girardet is a clarinetist, composer, arranger, and educator. Mr. Girardet holds Bachelor of Music degrees in education and clarinet performance from California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from the University of Michigan. As a graduate fellow at Michigan, he performed in the University Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Band, and the Instrumental Conducting Seminar. His clarinet quintet was awarded second prize at University of Michigan’s Briggs Chamber Music Competition, performing a series of his arrangements.

Mr. Girardet is the Coordinator of the Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program at the Orange County School of the Arts where he teaches music theory, chamber music, clarinet masterclass, woodwind sectionals, and directs the Symphonic Band. He has served as an instructor and coordinator with the Dragon Kim Foundation After School Program at OCSA, which provides free music instruction to local elementary students. Mr. Girardet joined the faculty at Irvine Valley College in 2017 as the director of the Wind Symphony and applied clarinet instructor. Upon his arrival, he established a Friday morning brass and percussion ensemble, consisting mainly of music majors and highly motivated non-majors. Recently, Mr. Girardet was named Coordinator of Woodwinds and Brass with the Orange County Youth Symphony.