Christopher Jones

Sergeant Major Christopher D. Jones has been a clarinetist in the West Point Band (westpoint.edu/band) since September of 1992.  He has a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from the University of North Alabama, Florence; and a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance and conducting from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces.  For 10-years Sgt. Maj. Jones studied with master clarinet teacher Kalmen Opperman in New York City. He also worked as a chamber student of Richard Stoltzman during the FestiVal-Gardena, Ortisei, Italy.

As a soloist, Jones performed the Copland Concerto for Clarinet with String Orchestra (with Harp and Piano) in October 2008 with the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra in Hyde Park, New York. Jones performed Dana Wilson’s Liquid Ebony in February of 2008 as guest soloist with the NMSU Symphonic Winds for the American Southwest Honor Band participants. Jones also performs on soprano and bass clarinet as a member of the West Point Clarinet Quartet. This group performs community concerts and events for high schools, colleges and universities having appeared in New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah. The quartet performed with Larry Combs, former principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, at the 2003 International Clarinet Festival and has premiered works of Paul Harvey and Robert Baksa. This group also performed on WAMC’s Northeast Public Radio, Albany, New York; WBNR in Beacon, New York; and WRR classical radio in Dallas, Texas.

Sgt. Maj. Jones serves as the West Point Band’s Drum Major and Publicity Division Chief. As a member of the West Point Band, some of Jones’ highlights were performing alongside the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall on July 3rd and 4th, 2008; and performing for the U.S. Military Academy’s bicentennial at Carnegie Hall on March 15, 2002.
Sgt. Maj. Jones has also performed in the Hudson Valley Region with the Orange County Classic Choral Society and Orchestra; on the Potluck Concerts in Cornwall, New York; and the Pone Ensemble in New Paltz, New York. Jones lives in Newburgh, New York with his lovely wife, Nicole, and four crazy cats: Mario, Kaylee, Rosie and Spooky.

Clinic Title: Bring Your Clarinets! Clarinet Fundamentals

Sgt. Major Christopher Jones from the West Point Band will discuss and demonstrate fundamentals of clarinet playing: embouchure, hand position and articulation. Goal: Smoother more musically efficient clarinet technique and style for any ability. It is important that music educators and/or students bring clarinets for this discussion so you can try the basic principals. All ranges of clarinet development are welcome.

Last reviewed: 5/23/2009