Keith Lemmons

Keith Lemmons serves as an Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts, prestigious Presidential Teaching Fellow, Professor of Clarinet, Music Faculty Advisor and Head of the Woodwind Faculty at The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he has taught since 1984. He combines an international reputation as a sought after soloist, clinician, chamber and orchestral musician with a distinguished teaching career. He has also received the Teacher of the Year Award and the Burlington Northern Award for Faculty Achievement. He has been enthusiastically acclaimed by critics and audiences alike for his performances in orchestra, chamber music and solo recital appearances. He has appeared at renowned music and clarinet festivals, symposiums and universities in Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Sweden and throughout the United States. El Sol de Mexico City described his performance as “magnificent interpretation. He had the audience in sheer ecstasy.” The Albuquerque Journal states “Lemmons’ recital was a prime example of the Keller Hall series at its very best” and “marvelous and amazing.” The Clarinet Journal writes “sheer virtuosity” and “he wowed the audience with his flawless technique and expressive tone,” “romantic and virtuosic,” “always a consummate artist.” Previously he taught at Minnesota State University, Albion College, Alma College, Universidad de Las Americas-Puebla, Mexico, Universidad National Autonoma-Mexico City and during the summers at the New England Music Camp in Maine.Professor Lemmons performs with the Grammy nominated Santa Fe Pro Musica Orchestra, Taos Trio, the Taos Chamber Music Group, Serenata of Santa Fe and also regularly performs with the New Mexico Philharmonic, Santa Fe Symphony and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival Outreach program. He is a founding member of the New Mexico Winds Woodwind Quintet, Trio New Mexico and Trio ClariVoce, all artist faculty Ensembles-in-Residence at UNM. He was an invited artist for the 2011 International ClarFest in Los Angeles and has been a judge for the International ClarFest Young Artist Solo Competitions in 2013 (Italy), 2012 (United States), 2009 (Portugal) and 2007 (Vancouver, BC); Music Teacher National Association Young Artist Solo Competitions in 2009 (Albuquerque) and 1998 (Nashville). He has performed at many international and national music festivals including the International ClarFests in Italy (2013), Portugal (2009), Kansas City (2008), Atlanta (2006), Salt Lake City (2003), Stockholm (2002), Oklahoma (2000), Lubbock (1997), Quebec City (1990), and Minneapolis (1989); South America International Clarinet Festival in Medellin, Colombia (2009); renowned University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposiums (2013, 2009, 2005, 2003, 1996, 1991, 1987); the Michigan Contemporary Clarinet Festivals (2007, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998); College Music Society National Conferences (2002, 1998); Puerto Rico International Clarinet Festival (2001); Brazil International Clarinet Festival (2000); International Double Reed Society Conferences (2004, 1998); and National Flute Association Convention (2007). He has also performed as principal clarinet with the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra in Colorado, Missoula Symphony, Santa Fe Festival Ballet, New Mexico Philharmonic, New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, Chamber Orchestra of Albuquerque, New Southwest Festival Orchestra and as guest artist with the Albuquerque Philharmonic, Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra, Albuquerque Concert Band, UNM Symphony Orchestra, UNM Jazz Band, UNM Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, the Helios String Quartet, Abiquiu Chamber Music Festival, Santa Fe Concert Association, Corrales Series, Placitas series, Los Alamos series and as a member of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. He has also been a recipient of numerous USIA grants to perform throughout Mexico and teach at the Universidad de las Americas-Puebla and at the Universidad National Autonoma-Mexico City. Professor Lemmons is the state chair for the International Clarinet Association.The reputation of the UNM clarinet studio is renowned for its large size and high quality, having students attending from the U.S, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. His many graduates are teaching at universities and colleges, public schools, performing in symphony orchestras and military bands and attending major music schools and conservatories. His Bachelor of Music Education degree is from Pittsburg State University where he was chosen in 2000 as an Outstanding Alumni and studied clarinet, flute and saxophone with Robert Schott and the Master of Music in Clarinet Performance and Woodwind Specialist degree with extensive Doctor of Musical Arts work at the Michigan State University with Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr. He has also studied extensively with Larry Combs (Chicago Symphony), Charles Neidich (Julliard School), Dame Thea King (English Chamber Orchestra), John McCaw (London Philharmonic), Gabor Reeves (New South Wales Conservatory, Australia), Herb Blayman (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, NY City), Robert Crowley (Montreal Symphony), Peter Reickoff (Berlin Hochscule), Jim Forger (Professor of Saxophone-Michigan State University) and Russell Freidewald (Professor of Flute-Michigan State University). His recordings are found on the Centaur, Summit, Navona, albuZERXque, Strauss, Katson Productions, Taos Chamber Music Group and The University of New Mexico labels. He is an artist/clinician for Buffet Crampon USA and D’Daddario.