Colleen Clark

Colleen Clark

Independent

Drummer, composer, educator and bandleader, Dr. Colleen Clark is the only drummer and woman to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Performance at the world-renowned University of North Texas, the oldest jazz institution in America.

As a player, Clark has been described as ""someone to watch"" and ""someone who will be turning heads in jazz for years to come."" Clark was invited by the ASCAP Foundation to lead her band, the Colleen Clark Collective, at the Kennedy Center. Dr. Clark has performed in prominent NYC venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland and the 55 Bar. Her debut album, consisting entirely of her original music, Introducing Colleen Clark, was produced by Gordon Stout and engineered by ten-time Grammy Award nominee/winner, Brian Dozoretz. Clark proudly joined the Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo on their premiere performance at the Jazz Education Network Conference in 2019.

Clark can most recently be heard playing on SteepleChase record #900, Allegra Levy's Lose My Number: Allegra Levy Sings John McNeil.

Dr. Clark is extremely excited to be joining the faculty at the University of South Carolina in August 2021. As Assistant Professor of Jazz, Clark will teach a full drumset studio, jazz history and conduct/coordinate the big bands and small ensembles.

Colleen Clark'S SETUP:

  1. 1. 15" 60's A Zildjian HiHats 2. 22" K Constantinople Ride 3. K1116 4. 18" 60's A Zildjian Crash

* May be prototype

Colleen
Clark's
IN 3

Colleen Clark's
IN 3

  • WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

    Listening to loads of music from Louis Armstrong to Tank and the Bangas. If it has a groove, I'm inspired. I also love checking out drummer-lead bands, especially the drummers that compose!

  • WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

    Respect whatever tradition you are joining. Do this by listening more and learning more about not only drummers but the other influences in the genre. Be willing to share what you have learned as sharing knowledge is the most satisfying. Finally, enjoy the process! We're lucky to be musicians because we can very easily spread joy.

  • FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

    The entire K line is dependable and provides the tools necessary for my desired sounds. I'm a fan of big cymbals so I like that I can use a K Con and a K Renaissance that complement each other beautifully.

BEHIND THE KIT

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