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Gordon Clements
M.Mus.(perf) B.Mus. Dip.Ed.
· Classical and Jazz Performer on Clarinet, Saxophone,
and Flute
· Big Band Conductor and Clinician
· Consultant and Demonstrator of Computer Music
Applications, Pitch-to-Midi, Digital Harmony,
and Wind Synthesis
An active member of Vancouver Island's musical and educational community for over 25 years, Mr. Clements has recently become very much in demand as an adjudicator and clinician. His unique experience as both classical and jazz performer have made his classes and workshops inspirational to students of all ages and levels of ability.
As a classical musician Mr. Clements is primarily known for 15 years in the bass clarinet chair of the Victoria Symphony and as both clarinetist and saxophonist with the Palm Court Orchestra. He has also performed in countless Broadway shows, operettas, wind ensembles, and chamber music groups.
Perhaps even more known as a jazz musician, Mr. Clements has been a featured soloist, conductor, and lead alto saxophonist with the area's top pro big bands and is "first-call woodwind doubler" for most of the traveling shows which come to our city. His small groups are often fixtures in the local club scene and his solo work can be heard on numerous contemporary recordings.
Music Education has also played an important part in Mr. Clements' career. He has worked as a band teacher and ensemble coach in secondary schools throughout Greater Victoria and is currently on the staffs of Brentwood College School and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. In 1982, he was given the task of starting a jazz program for the University Of Victoria and founded both the University Big Band and the Victoria Summer Jazz Workshop which has continued for 18 years under his direction. In 1987 he was awarded the position of Saxophone Professor at UVic. Recently he has expanded his conducting responsibilities to include the Victoria Conservatory Honour Wind Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra.