Mitchell Lurie, one of the world's best-known clarinetetists, was principal clarinet in the Pittsburgh and Chicago Symphonies with conductor Fritz Reiner before becoming a prominent film studio clarinetist in Hollywood. For over 40 years, he taught at the University of Southern California where he is Professor Emeritus. He was an active performer in music festivals throughout the world. He died in 2008. Karen Ervin was active as a percussionist in the Los Angeles area since 1972, and was percussion teacher at California State University Northridge since 1974. She died in 2004.