The Mini Pears Clarinet Ensemble was founded by Shaun Guzmán and is the student-based chamber ensemble for clarinetists in the San Antonio metro area. In 2025, the ensemble was officially absorbed into the Prickly Pear Clarinet Ensemble non-profit organization as another means to reach out, connect, and strengthen the ties to the performing arts community and the San Antonio audiences.

This student-based clarinet ensemble has changed throughout the years. Starting off as the Monticello Clarinet Choir to Hashtag Flats (#bbbb), the Clariphonic Clarinet Ensemble, and finally the Mini Pears Clarinet Ensemble. This musical outlet offers challenging music, ensemble building/blending, developing young musicians’ ears, and encourages camaraderie and communication within the ensemble.

We encourage all interested clarinet students in San Antonio to join the Mini Pears Clarinet ensemble and enjoy meeting new friends, playing within a large clarinet ensemble, and building a community!