Full Gremlin

Full Gremlin was a mixed chamber quartet based in Kansas City, Missouri, consisting of Leslie Hisman (flute), Elena Collins (clarinet), Abby Foehrkolb (percussion), and Beth Christensen (piano). Originally formed while students at UMKC in the spring of 2023, this group focused on collaborating with composers and performing new music for its unique instrumentation. The ensemble name, Full Gremlin, derives from how quickly the group bonded, both musically and personally. As Beth aptly put it, we were able to be “our full gremlin selves” around each other.

In the first year of their formation, Full Gremlin commissioned and premiered 6 works for this ensemble and 5 works for subsidiaries of the group. They have participated in educational and outreach performances, including at retirement homes and the UMKC Shining a Light Concert highlighting underrepresented composers. They also have partnered with the 2023 Composing in the Wilderness Denali UMKC program to premiere works by the participants. Finally, they attended Cortona Sessions for New Music in the Netherlands in June of 2024 as the resident ensemble adn premiered two new works by emerging composers of the festival. See below for a performance of “Electric Aroma” by Viet Cuong or visit our YouTube page for more videos!