Located deep in the heart of Texas, the Prickly Pear Clarinet Ensemble is a chamber music group comprised of several local clarinetists. The non-profit ensemble combines several generations of musical experiences, featuring the full spectrum of the clarinet family. The members of Prickly Pear come from varying backgrounds, many of whom are active music educators & performers in the San Antonio area!

The ensemble enjoys performing original works, as well as transcriptions for clarinet choir. Specifically, Prickly Pear focuses on performing literature that connects with younger musicians where they can be exposed to clarinet chamber works.

The primary purpose of the Prickly Pear Clarinet Ensemble is to promote the performing arts, with a particular emphasis on the clarinet, by providing musical performances and educational programs to the local and national community. In 2025, the ensemble created the Mini Pears Clarinet Ensemble as an extension of the non-profit organization in order to encourage clarinet students in the San Antonio area to join a local chamber ensemble and build a community, friendships, and their own musicianship!

Our Co-Founders, Robert and Jean Lake, started the Prickly Pear Clarinet Ensemble in 2015.

Hear some recordings of Prickly Pear HERE.