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.

An established orchestral musician, Katelyn has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Artosphere Festival Orchestra, Akron Symphony, New World Symphony, amongst 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. With her woodwind quintet ZaRiah, she has competed in competitions such as the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, Fischoff, Young Concert Artist, and the Frances Walton Competition. ZaRiah has completed tours across the west coast, and has been featured on NPR’s live sessions. Most recently ZaRiah received the honor of being named a 2025 Susan Wadsworth semi finalist in Young Concert Artist’s annual competition. ZaRiah is the 2025 Frances Walton competition winner.

As an educator, her students have received acceptance into summer festivals across the nation, and went on to study at major 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 currently pursuing her masters degree at the Yale School of Music, where she is a student of the renowned clarinetist David Shifrin. Prior to her time at Yale, she completed her undergraduate degree at the Oberlin Conservatory, under the tutelage of Richard Hawkins.

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