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 a talented jazz drummer. He grew up in New Orleans, a city famous for its music. Today, he is well-known for his musical work in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
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A Teacher and Band Leader
Clarence Acox taught at Garfield High School in Seattle for many years. He started there in 1971, after coming from Southern University in Baton Rouge. His first job was to make the school's marching bands better.
Leading the Jazz Ensemble
Since 1979, Mr. Acox led the Garfield Jazz Ensemble. Under his guidance, this group became incredibly successful. They won almost every big competition on the West Coast. This includes contests in states like 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 important awards for his work. These awards show how much he has contributed to music and education.
- In 2001, Down Beat magazine named him Educator of the Year. This is a big honor in the music world.
- The Seattle Music Educators Association recognized him in 2004. They called him their Outstanding Music Educator.
- Seattle's mayor, Greg Nickels, gave him the Mayor's Arts Award in 2007.
- In 2008, Seattle Metropolitan magazine listed him as one of the 50 most influential musicians in Seattle's history.
- He shared the Impact Award at the City of Music Awards in 2010.
- In May 2016, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts. This special degree came from Cornish College of the Arts.
Playing Jazz Music
Besides teaching, Clarence Acox is also a very active jazz drummer. He often performs in clubs around the Seattle area.
He has played with the Floyd Standifer Quartet (now called Legacy Quartet) for a long time. They have performed at the New Orleans Creole Restaurant since 1986. His drumming style also helps lead the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. He helped start this orchestra in 1995. He co-founded it with University of Washington saxophone teacher Michael Brockman.
