Joel Nalewajek received a B.S. in Music Education from Plymouth State College and a M.M. in Clarinet Performance from the University of Massachusetts. In addition to the Santa Monica Symphony, he performs with the Los Angeles Clarinet Choir and has played with many area groups. His former teachers include Patricia Shands, Michael Sussman and Margaret Thornhill. Outside of music, he is a Certified Change Practitioner and is currently the Assistant Manager of Business Transition Management at American Honda Finance Corporation, where he has worked for 22 years.