Bo Clifton has had an exceptionally diverse career that spans the music industry from performance and teaching, to manufacturing and marketing. This wide range of experience gives him a unique approach to both teaching and performance that his audiences always appreciate. His performances and educational events have taken him all over the world, from the United States to Europe and Asia. He has taught and worked with students of all ages, from elementary school to doctoral degree candidates.
Bo has been playing trombone since he was 12 years old, and holds a bachelor's and master's degree in trombone. From 2006-2008, he performed with the Synergy Brass Quintet to critical acclaim, with over 700 engagements in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. The group performed for a wide range of audiences, from elementary school assemblies to master classes for doctoral candidates. With high-energy shows and virtuosic performances, they made new fans and friends wherever they played.
In 2008, Bo was selected for the prestigious Priddy Fellowship in Arts Leadership at the University of North Texas, where he began his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. This program focused on interaction with high-level policy makers and influencers of local, state, and national arts policy, as well as administration of an arts program. Working closely with program director, Dr. D. Jack Davis, Bo learned a great deal about how to apply his knowledge and skills to improve a community through tight integration with the arts. He continues to be a passionate advocate for comprehensive arts education at every stage of a student's growth.
In 2010, Bo performed a series of marching clinics in Southeast Asia, a tour that included the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The knowledge and instructional expertise that he brought with almost a decade of marching experience helped make the clinics a rousing success. Audience response was overwhelmingly positive, and he continues to correspond with many of these students to this day.
In 2010, Bo also became the Director of Product Marketing for background brass at Conn-Selmer, Inc., a position which afforded him a wonderful opportunity to work with one of the leading instrument manufacturers in the world today. His design and marketing input helped launch the King System Blue Marching Brass line and the Bach Infinity trombone valve. Since 2010, he has worked in a similar capacity with Brook Mays Music in Dallas, Texas, and Antigua Winds in San Antonio, Texas.
Bo attained his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University - Commerce studying with Jim Clark, a well-known and fantastic trombonist in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Bo received his master's degree in trombone performance from the University of North Texas, studying with world-renowned educators Vern and Jan Kagarice, and Tony Baker.
Bo is a C.G. Conn performing artist, and uses Denis Wick London mouthpieces and mutes exclusively.