Mr. Clarke began his teaching career with Kilgore ISD in the Fall of 2023 as the assistant high school band director. He currently teaches the KHS Bulldog Marching Band, KHS Symphonic Band, and sixth grade beginner trumpet and percussion classes at Kilgore Middle School.

In 2022, Mr. Clarke graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler, Summa Cum Laude, earning his undergraduate degrees in Instrumental Music Education and Classical Trumpet Performance. Throughout his time at UT Tyler, Mr. Clarke was involved with many of the university’s most prestigious performing ensembles including their Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Trumpet Ensemble, Baroque Trumpet Ensemble, Patriot Brass Quintet, and Patriot Trumpet Quintet.

Mr. Clarke’s love for playing his instrument has landed him in many different performing ensembles, which allowed him to perform around the world, including in Miami, Florida, the New England area, and even Viena, Austria. Additionally, he was a member of the UT Tyler Honors Program, treasurer for the UT Tyler chapter of Music Texas National Association, founding director of public relations for the UT Tyler Business Innovation Group, and the founding president of the UT Tyler Patriot Trumpet Guild. To cap off his undergraduate career, Mr. Clarke student taught at Lindale ISD, having the opportunity to be a part of the program's third consecutive UIL State Military Marching Band gold medal season.

Mr. Clarke has always had a passion for students, music, and community involvement. Since Mr. Clarke graduated from high school, he has been asked to teach part-time at numerous schools around East Texas, including the Van, Arp, Whitehouse, and Lindale ISD band programs. Mr. Clarke also highly values the time he spends playing for and around his community. He currently plays with the Green Acres Baptist Church Orchestra, solo trumpet for the Al Fine Little Big Band, and interim principal trumpet in the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Clarke’s professional affiliations include the National Association of Military Marching Bands, the Association of Texas Small School Bands, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and the International Trumpet Guild.

Outside of his musical and community involvements, Mr. Clarke enjoys spending time with his friends and family, traveling, and being at the lake water skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing whenever possible. Mr. Clarke cannot wait to begin his second year as a part of the Kilgore ISD family, Go Bulldogs!!