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Executive Director
Mr. Clardy is the Executive Director of The Foundation for Music Education and Choice Music Events. The Foundation for Music Education is a not-for-profit organization and Choice Music Events is the performing division that plans and powers student music festivals and events all over the United States.
Mr. Clardy conducts the Lubbock Concert Band and recently served as the Director of Bands and the Department Chair of Fine Arts at Klein High School in Klein, Texas from 2001 though 2007. Mr. Clardy is a native Texan, having begun his musical career under the direction of J. R. McEntyre in the Permian High School Band and Orchestra. Mr. Clardy received the Bachelor of Music Education Degree from West Texas State University, a Master of Music Degree in Applied Trumpet from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and has done Doctoral work at The University of North Texas.
Mr. Clardy performed as principal trumpet with the United States Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. in 1972, and in 1975-1976 was selected to perform on a national tour with The United States Armed Forces Bicentennial Band along with musicians from all Washington, D.C. Bands.
In 1977, Mr. Clardy began his teaching career in his hometown of Odessa, Texas, with Bill Dean, at Odessa High School. In 1978, Mr. Clardy was invited to serve on the trumpet faculty at The University of North Texas for a one-year appointment as a colleague, and finally, a student of Professor John J. Haynie. Mr. Clardy taught at Strickland Junior High School in Denton, Marcus High School in Flower Mound, and started the band program at Griffin Middle School in 1982.
Prior to his appointment to Klein High School, Mr. Clardy spent fifteen years developing the band and orchestra program at The Colony High School in The Colony, Texas. Bands under Mr. Clardy’s direction have performed at the Midwest Clinic in 1994, the TMEA Convention-Clinic as the TMEA Class 5A Honor Band in 1997, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in 1997, the Midwest Clinic in 1998, the American Bandmasters Association Convention in Austin in 2000, the Chicago Symphony Hall in 2004 and Carnegie Hall in 2001 and 2006. The John Philip Sousa Foundation honored The Colony Band with The Sudler Flag of Honor in 1994. Bands under Mr. Clardy’s direction have been named Best In Class at every major Concert Band Festival in the country and have been consistent participants in the Texas State UIL Marching Contest since 1988 and a top 5 finish in the TMEA Honor Band process since 1986. Composers that have been commissioned by Mr. Clardy for new works for band include Dan Welcher, Martin Mailman, Eric Richards and Eric Whitacre. The Klein Marching Band advanced and competed in the 2004 and 2006 Texas State UIL Marching Contest. The Grammy Foundation selected the Klein High School Fine Arts Department as a Signature School in 2000 and 2004.
Mr. Clardy is an active performing musician, clinician and conductor. He has recently guest conducted the United States Army Field Band of Washington, D.C., the University of Florida Wind Symphony and is the conductor of the Lubbock Concert Band.
Mr. Clardy was named Teacher of the Year in 1988-1989 and also honored by the Parent Teacher Association as a Lifetime Member. Mr. Clardy served the Texas Music Educators Association as the President in 2000, as the State Band Division Chair from 1998-1999, and as the State Audition Chairman from 1993 to 1997. Mr. Clardy was elected for membership into the prestigious The American Bandmasters Association in 1997 and currently serves on the ABA/Ostwald Band Composition Adjudication Committee. Mr. Clardy is a member of Phi Beta Mu and received the Meritorious Service Award from the Texas Bandmasters Association in 2005.
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Executive Secretary and Event Coordinator
Carolyn Botkin has been on staff with Director's Choice and Choice Music Events since 2003. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Family & Consumer Science Education and was a stay-at-home mom for many years. She and her husband, Tommy, were involved in the West Texas cotton farming industry for over 20 years. They have two children, Emily and Callie, both at Texas Tech. They are also the proud grandparents of Brady & Cooper! They are members of the First Baptist Church of Tahoka and love to sing in the church choir.
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Managing Director and Event Coordinator
Zac Miller began working for Choice Music Events in January, 2006. He attended Texas Tech University where he earned a music performance degree in percussion and a business administration degree in marketing. During his undergraduate work, he enjoyed performing in many different ensembles including the Texas Tech Steel Drum Band, "Apocolypso Now," the school's Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, and the "Goin' Band From Raiderland." He is currently working on his Master in Business Administration degree part-time at Texas Tech University. During his free time he enjoys playing drums, playing golf, and hanging out with his wife Marcie.
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