Dr. John Clinton has Joined the Board of Directors in:  2001

John Clinton retired as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Central Oklahoma in 2015. A graduate of East Central OSU, he earned an MME from the University of Oklahoma and completed a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of North Texas with emphases in orchestral conducting, string pedagogy and sociology. He has conducted state and regional orchestras in Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington. He has presented papers and in-service workshops for NAfME, ASTA National Conference, Texas Music Educators' Association, the University of Oklahoma "Symposium '95: The Sociology of Music Education”, Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic, as well as presentations on a variety of arts topics throughout the United States and Vancouver, British Columbia. Additionally, Dr. Clinton was the conductor of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra (OYO) for 23 years leading tours in Australia, New Zealand, throughout Europe, and the Zoltán Kodály Memorial Festival in Budapest, Hungary. His professional honors include the Oklahoma Educators Association Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Music Educators (OMEA) Hall of Fame, OMEA Administrator of the Year, University of Oklahoma School of Music Distinguished Alumni Fellow, Oklahoma String Teacher of the Year, Governor’s Arts Award for Arts and Education, and the National Federation of State High School Associations Outstanding Music Educator. He currently serves on the board of directors for The Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic and the Children's Arts Network. Published works include “Embracing Administrative Leadership in Music Education.”

Favorite Midwest Moments:  Performing at the Midwest with the Norman High School Orchestra. Clinics and interviews including those with Col. Arnold Gabriel, Jacquelyn Dillon, Harry Begian and Marvin Rabin. Presenting the Midwest Medal of Honor to Dan Long.

Hopes for Midwest Clinic Attendees: Enthusiasm for the teaching profession and for the positive effect teaching quality music with high standards has on the lives of everyone.