An Oregon native, Mr. Clark is in his eighth year as band and orchestra director at Voyager Middle School. Mr. Clark was born and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and attended college at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. He holds a double B.A. in Music Conducting and Trombone Performance (magna cum laude), and a Master of Arts in Teaching (summa cum laude). In addition to directing at Voyager, he conducts several community bands in Seattle, Washington. Michael has earned several awards in performance, including taking first place in the 1995 Oregon State Solo & Ensemble Competition on trombone. He has also been nominated for several teaching awards, including two nominations for the Mukilteo Lighthouse Award, and a recent nomination for a Washington State Golden Apple Award. When Michael is not teaching, he likes to hike around the Puget Sound and go jogging with his spoiled rotten German Shepherd, Duke.
Orchestra students, check this out. This is a beautiful piece by the English Composer Ralph Vaughn Williams that is the musical journey of a Lark flying through the countryside.
*Okay Go - Do What You Want!
How can you go wrong with Swedish punk rock band? Check out the wallpaper in this video. Pretty groovy!!
*John Coltrane - Giant Steps
Jazz Band students, you're going to like this! John Coltrane is a brilliant jazz musician, and one of the most talented people ever to play the sax. Watch the music go by as you hear the improvised solo he is creating on the spot!
*Bob Marley -- Three Little Birds
This is a great song with a great message by one of the most famous reggae artists, Bob Marley. Jazz band students, listen to how your instruments are used in the reggae style.
*Aaron Copland -- "Hoedown" from Rodeo
I grew up in the country in Southern Oregon, a place where there were more cows and horses than people, and this song always reminds me of what it is like to ride a horse full stride! This piece by American composer Aaron Copland is about as high energy as it gets! Band and orcehstra students, listen to the energetic (and sometimes very funny!) ways Copland uses your instruments. You can hear majestic horses racing through the violins and french horns, and stubborn donkeys pouting in the trombone section!
*Frank Sinatra -- Fly Me to the Moon
Frankie was the master of cool and one of the most famous jazz singers who has ever lived. He had many nicknames, including "Ol' Blue Eyes," and "The Chairman of the Board." Sinatra is known for being a master showman, and for his impeccable sense of style and tempo. To become a better jazz musician, listen to lots of Sinatra!
*Carlos Santana / Rob Thomas -- Smooth
One of the cool things about America is that we are a country where many different cultures and styles come together, often creating new and spectacular music. This is one of my favorite Latin / rock fusion pieces, Smooth, featuring singer Rob Thomas and rock legend Carlos Santana. Jazz band students, we'll be playing this piece next year!
