First Coast Wind Ensemble Conductors

Dale Blackwell

Dr. Dale Blackwell recently completed a distinguished career as Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Florida Community College in Jacksonville, a position he has held since August of 1971. He previously served as Brass Instructor at Valdosta State College and held the position of Band Director at Kecoughtan High School and H. Wilson Thorpe Junior High School, both in Hampton, Virginia, and Cartaret County Schools in Beaufort, North Carolina, his home town.

A professional trumpet player from the age of 16, Dale has pertormed with the big bands of Ray McKinley, Buddy Morrow, Warren Covington, and the show bands of Henry Mancini, Della Reese, the Mills Brothers, Holiday On Ice, The O'Jays, Frankie Laine, Patti Page, Lou RawIs, Steve Lawrence, and many others.

While earning his B.S. and M.M. from East Carolina University and Ph.D. from The Florida State University, he was active in several fraternal organizations including Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda. His most recent professional affiliations include Past President of Florida College Music Educators Association, Current President of the International Association of Jazz Educators - Florida Unit, Florida Bandmasters Association, Music Educators National Conference - Student Chapter Advisor, College Band Directors National Association, International Trumpet Guild, American Federation of Musicians, Southern Accreditation of Schools Committee, and the Statewide College and University Course Numbering System Committee - 1978 to present.

Artie Clifton

Artie Clifton is Associate Professor of Music at Jacksonville University, where he teaches courses in music education and performance.

Mr. Clifton holds degrees from Stetson University and the University of Cincinnati, and has done post-graduate study at New York University and Brooklyn College. He has taught in public schools in Florida and Ohio. Formerly, Mr. Clifton was Director of Instrumental Ensembles at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania where, in addition to collegiate groups, he conducted a professional concert series, Music for Winds, and professional theatre productions. He was also principal clarinetist of the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra.

As a clarinetist, Mr. Clifton maintains an active performance schedule that includes recitals and chamber music, and he is a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Clifton serves as a guest conductor and adjudicator in music festivals, and is a member of several professional music organizations and honorary societies.