Symphony Orchestras

Hans Clebsch began playing French Horn for the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra in 1996.  Since that time he has worked closely with Conn-Selmer, which has a production factory outside of Cleveland.  In 2016, Hans was interviewed for the NAMM Oral History program in the factory and spoke about his relationship with his instrument as well as sharing tips for students.  "Make the most of your practice and focus on what you want to sound like. Then, listen to your fellow band mates to obtain the next level in your playing.  All of us have more we can learn, the trick is to keep improving

Colonel Arnald Gabriel proudly led the United States Air Force Band as well as the Symphony Orchestra, the Singing Sergeants and the McLean Orchestra over a long and celebrated career of musical service to his country. Playing for presidents, heads of states as well as service men and women, Col. Gabriel was an early supporter of the Midwest Band Clinic and the youngest person ever to be inducted into the National Band Association Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors.

Murray Grodner, along with his first wife Leah, formed Lemur Music, Inc., a catalog business that specialized in the needs of the Double Bassist. His impressive background as bassist, professor and author was perfect for launching a business career in providing needs of his fellow bassists. He began his orchestral career as Assistant Principal Bassist of the Pittsburgh Symphony, then accepted the Principal Chair with Houston Symphony, followed by four years with the N.B.C. Symphony under Arturo Toscanini.

Theodore Johnson was playing in the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra when he began to think of ideas that would improve his clarinet's mouthpiece.  Over time, he designed his own mouthpiece and established his own company, while still performing full time.  His product line grew over time as did the reputation of his mouthpiece, which are now carried in stores around the world.

Richard King is a principal French horn player for the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.  He began playing for the orchestra in the 1980s and has enjoyed a long relationship with the nearby Conn-Selmer factory, which produces the horns he plays.  Rich is first to point out that a musician is only as good as his instrument, a fact he shares with his many students.

Mark Lawrence is widely recognized as one of the leading classical trombonists of his generation, with a distinguished career as an orchestral musician, soloist, chamber performer, educator, and publisher. After studying at the University of Michigan and the Curtis Institute of Music, Mark was appointed principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony in 1974, a position he held for 33 years. During his tenure, he appeared as a featured soloist with the orchestra and earned an international reputation for his artistry and expressive musicianship.

William Scarlett has dedicated his career to band instrument repair and the history of the many instrument makers in and around the mid-west.  He studied the York Band Instrument Company and the many well-known products the company produced over the decades.  Music is in his blood.  His grandfather played cornet as did his father.  So, when it was time for little William to play an instrument, he was given a cornet.  He studied music in college.  In fact, one of his professors was Renold Schilke.  After school he began teaching but was drafted just about a year into his band direc