John ClemonsFaculty

John Clemons is a Visiting Instructor at Gustavus Adolphus College for the 2025-26 academic year. His responsibilities include conducting the Gustavus Wind Orchestra and Wind Symphony as well as teaching conducting. Mr. Clemons comes to Gustavus from the University of North Texas, where he was a doctoral conducting associate in the Wind Studies area, studying with Eugene Migliaro Corporon. Concurrent with doctoral study at UNT, Mr. Clemons completed a sabbatical appointment as Visiting Director of Bands at Eastern Illinois University during the 2024 fall semester and served as conductor of the Concert Band at the University of Texas at Tyler in the spring.

In addition to his work at the collegiate level Mr. Clemons taught for nine years in the public schools of Illinois and Indiana where concert, marching, and jazz ensembles under his direction consistently received superior ratings at local, state, and national festivals. He has served as a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator throughout the Chicagoland area and DFW metroplex, including guest conducting appearances with the Harper College Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds, the Chicago Clarinet Ensemble, and the North Suburban Wind Ensemble. Mr. Clemons earned a Master of Music degree in wind conducting from Northwestern University, studying with Dr. Mallory Thompson, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Illinois. He resides in Shakopee with his wife Amy and their two cats.

Courses Taught