Clarence Acox Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence Acox
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Acox in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Origin | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Band director, jazz drummer |
| Instruments | Drums, Piano |
Clarence Acox is an American band director and jazz drummer. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has performed in many places in the Pacific Northwest.
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A Great Teacher and Musician
Clarence Acox is known for his amazing work. He taught music and directed bands. He also plays the drums in jazz music.
Teaching at Garfield High School
Mr. Acox taught at Garfield High School in Seattle. He started teaching there in 1971. He came from Southern University in Baton Rouge. His first job was to make the school's marching bands better.
Success with the Jazz Ensemble
Since 1979, Mr. Acox led the Garfield Jazz Ensemble. This group won many big competitions. They won contests all over the West Coast. These wins included competitions in Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Mr. Acox retired from Garfield High School in June 2019.
Awards and Special Honors
Clarence Acox has received many awards. These awards celebrate his work in music and education.
- In 2001, Down Beat magazine named him Educator of the Year.
- The Seattle Music Educators Association honored him in 2004. They called him their Outstanding Music Educator.
- In 2007, Seattle mayor Greg Nickels gave him the Mayor's Arts Award.
- Seattle Metropolitan magazine named him a top musician in 2008. They said he was one of the 50 most important musicians in Seattle's history.
- In 2010, he shared the Impact Award. This was at Seattle's second City of Music Awards. He shared it with Scott Brown from Roosevelt High School.
- In May 2016, Mr. Acox received a special degree. It was an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts. This came from Cornish College of the Arts.
Performing Jazz Music
Mr. Acox is also a regular performer. He plays drums in jazz clubs in Seattle.
Playing with Jazz Groups
He has played with the Floyd Standifer Quartet. This group is now called the Legacy Quartet. He has performed with them since 1986. They often play at the New Orleans Creole Restaurant.
Mr. Acox also helped start the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. He co-founded it in 1995. He started it with Michael Brockman. Mr. Brockman teaches saxophone at the University of Washington. Mr. Acox's drumming style is a key part of this orchestra's sound.
