Steve Matthes - Clarinet

Email Steve.

Steve Matthes, clarinetist with the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band since 1992, is a busy and versatile musician in the Corvallis area. Steve directs the Oregon State University Concert Band and the Corvallis Community Band, makes guest solo and conducting appearances with the OSU Symphonic Band and teaches clarinet and saxophone. Career highlights include experience as director of the OSU Jazz Ensemble and Pep-Band, assistant director of the OSU Symphonic and Marching Bands, principal clarinet with the OSU-Corvallis Symphony, member of the OSU Recorder Consort, a stint in the Armed Forces School of Music and the U.S. Army Infantry Center Band (Fort Benning, GA) and performances with Western Opera Theater, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the orchestra for the Red Skelton Show. Traditional jazz appearances include Stumptown Jazz, Hume Street, Dr. Jon's, OSU alumni jazz bands (including Homer Welch and George Bruns) and the Opera House Saloon house band in Columbus, GA.

One of Steve's favorite memories is directing the combined UCLA-OSU Marching Bands in "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Mirage Bowl in Tokyo Olympic Staduim before 80,000 fans and on Japanese national TV. Steve enjoys playing at traditional jazz festivals, and he notes his several appearances at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee (with different bands) are particularly memorable.

Steve has been a chemist with the U.S. Department of Energy, Albany Research Center (formerly U.S. Bureau of Mines), for 20 years and is an expert in atomic spectroscopy and microwave assisted chemistry. He was awarded the prestigious 'Points of Light' award by President Bush for outstanding contributions to community service in science education and music. Steve is a member of the American Chemical Society, Society for Applied Spectroscopy, American Chemical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science and Sigma Xi and is also one of the original inductees into the Microwave Assisted Chemistry Hall of Fame.

A single parent, Steve enjoys his children's many activities, recitals and concerts. He proudly notes that all his kids are becoming accomplished musicians, dancers or artists. 'Surfin' the Net', listening to any good music and enjoying the beautiful Oregon scenery are other favorite pastimes.

Steve has contributed a number of great arrangements to Black Swan's library and a couple of fine original compositions as well: Sweet Mama Stringbean and Black Swan Glide.

Steve's Black Swan discography:

Steve's discography also includes:

Other Links