Cliff Thompson

Background

About Cliff Thompson

I have been active as a private trumpet teacher and marching band instructor since 1988. In this time I have worked with and developed many trumpet players. Some of my students have been active in various honors, and all-county band programs. I have also had a student in the Maryland All-State Jazz Band for two consecutive years.In the last three years I have become active in the pursuit of my music degree, something that eluded me most of my adult life due to various financial and scheduling conflicts. Two years ago I took the position of Director of Bands for Elkton Christian Academy. I took over a band program that had been resurected five years before. In my first year at ECA I was able improve a middle school band that was still playing on the beginer level to the point that they perform a grade three piece by James Swearingen called "Exaltation" at the 2007 high school graduation. This was the first time since 1991 that there was a school band performing at graduation.It is my sincere hope to continue in the field of Music Education. I am currently in the developement stages of a few music projects for both professional performance as well as education for middle and high school.Specialties: In my many years of playing I have developed as a "lead player". I have been able to develope my upper register to the point that I am reaching my "double high C' with power and flexibility. Due to this area of focus much of my clinic work focuses on mechanics, breath support, and embochure developement.