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. In 2001 he became a clinician for Keilwerth Saxophones and Buffet Crampon Clarinets.
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 have often been fixtures in the local club scene and his solo work can be heard on numerous contemporary recordings. His own recordings continue to receive great reviews. Above and Below featuring him on bass clarinet, has been getting regular airplay on CBC 1 & 2, Radio Canada, KPLU and CFUV (see a sampling of reviews below). In August this year the opening tune, "Low Talk" by Misha Piatigorski, won the prestigious Thelonius Monk International Jazz Award for Composition. His 2004 release Bounce featuring Don Thompson on vibes, has been getting outstanding airplay and even more exciting reviews.
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. Recently he has expanded his conducting responsibilities to include the Victoria Conservatory Honour Wind Ensemble and Honour Jazz Orchestra. He is also coordinator of the new Camosun College/VCM Jazz Studies program.
. . . is 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.
"...a dark and smooth sound with a punch
like neat whiskey."
Susan Downs
Times-Colonist
"From its Mancini-ish opening notes to the killer Ellingtonian finale, this is some fine mainstream chamber jazz. ...one of the strongest and best-sounding recordings yet from Victoria's jazz scene."
Ian Cochrane
Monday Magazine
"It is terrific! Classic and excellent jazz. Very beautiful bass clarinet playing throughout the range. The whole ensemble is great."
Keith McLeod, Principal Clarinet
Victoria Symphony
"The horn is so beautifully played. ...this is a great album. It deserves consideration for an award of some kind. I don't think I've ever heard you play with such confidence & agility."
Will Goede, Professor
Capilano College