Anna Darnell began her musical studies with piano at the age of 5.  At age 10, she became a clarinet student of Dr. Monty Cole, Associate Professor of Clarinet at Mercer University, and she remained under his instruction throughout middle and high school.  Anna attended the Mercer University Summer Chamber Music Academy from 2004-2006 where she studied with Dr. Cole and Mr. Ronald DeKant.  She attended Interlochen Arts Camp as an Emerson Scholar in the summer of 2007 and studied with Dr. Deborah Bish, Dr. Sandra Jackson, and Ms. Deborah Chodacki.  While at Interlochen, she performed as a member of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Interlochen Philharmonic. 

Anna was the 2007 winner of the Macon Symphony Orchestra High School Concerto Competition and performed the Rondo of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with the MSO.  In the summer of 2008, she was a finalist in the International Clarinet Association High School Competition and the third place winner of the Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium Young Artist Competition.  She was the state winner of the 2008 Music Teacher’s National Association Senior Woodwind Competition and performed at the regional competition.  She was the principal clarinetist of the Mercer/Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra for its 2006-2009 seasons.  She was active in the music program at Jones County High School and has participated in many district, region, and state honor band clinics.  From 2007-2009, she performed with the Georgia College & State University Concert Band. 

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gray Celebration Orchestra, and she has participated in various musical activities in the communities of Macon and Gray.  Anna is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.