Garret Jones

ARTIST INFORMATION

Meet the Musician

Where were you born?

Born in Bedford, Texas but now call Kalamazoo home.

Where did you study? Who did you study under?

I completed my Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor studying under Dan Gilbert and Chad Burrow, and completed two Masters in Clarinet Performance and Chamber Music there as well. I earned my Bachelor of Music Education at Baylor University in Waco, Texas studying with the late, great Dr. Richard Shanley.

When did you first discover your instrument? How old were you?

Prior to starting my first year in junior high (7th grade) we were asked to go to an instrument trial fair with the junior high directors, where we could try out any of the instruments that we were interested in. Of course, they give feedback depending on the sounds you produced, or if they thought you would be a great fit for a particular instrument based on how your lips were shaped. I wanted to try the saxophone and clarinet because my dad played them through college. I really wanted to play saxophone but the director (who was a clarinetist herself) really encouraged me to go with clarinet, and the rest is history!

What are your hobbies/interests outside of the music world?

I really enjoy cooking new recipes and exploring tweaks to old ones. I also really enjoy unwinding with a good video game- it’s a great way to disengage with everything and dive into a world of your own!

Tell us about your favorite career performance. What made it special?

My first concert with the KSO was in 2022 playing Daphnis et Chloé and Till Eulenspiegel – man, what a MASSIVE program! Lots and lots of notes to learn, and a lot of pressure coming into an unfamiliar group. The orchestra was massive with many performers on stage, not to mention a full chorus behind us on the risers. Daphnis is one of my favorite works, and having the chance to perform the entirety of the piece (most consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity) was truly remarkable and memorable. It was a great introduction to the brilliance of the KSO that I have come to join and love.

How did you come to be with the KSO? What is your best memory here?

I actually started with the KSO as a staff member in 2021. My current chair was auditioned later that season in 2022 in which I won the position.