Katelyn Poetker

Born in Monroe, Louisiana, clarinetist Katelyn Waffer Poetker encompasses “Nuance and precision” (Santa Barbara Independent) through her playing. She has a passion for chamber music, and has performed for series such as the Mariposa Concert Series in Santa Barbara, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle. Katelyn is a founding member of the award-winning woodwind quintet, ZaRiah.

ZaRiah was the 2025 winner of the Frances Walton Competition. ZaRiah has completed tours across the country, and has been featured on NPR’s live sessions. Most recently ZaRiah received the honor of being named the ensemble in residence for the Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City, as well as 2026 Shouse Institute Artists for the Great Lakes Music Festival.

An established orchestral musician, Katelyn has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Artosphere Festival Orchestra, Akron Symphony, New World Symphony, amongst numerous others. During her time at Music Academy of the West, she won the Keston MAX competition and received the honor of her residency with the London Symphony Orchestra. Recently, she reunited with members of the LSO for a performance of the Mozart Clarinet Quintet in Santa Barbara, CA.

As an educator, her students have received acceptance into summer festivals across the nation, and went on to study at major music programs. She has taught lessons for Oberlin College and Conservatory, as well as Yale University. She is a proud first generation college student, and is committed to increasing music accessibility in underserved communities.

Katelyn is a graduate of the Yale School of Music, as well as the Oberlin Conservatory. She is very grateful for the mentorship and guidance of David Shifrin and Richard Hawkins.

In her free time Katelyn enjoys singing in gospel choir, and spending time with her french bulldog Gizmo.