Guest Clinicians
Christopher Mena – Christopher is the current Director of Orchestras and Guitar at Seattle’s Robert Eagle Staff Middle School. He is also a PhD candidate with research interest in the racial, ethnic, cultural identity development of Mexican American students participating in school music ensembles. Interested in (and have published articles pertaining to) Ethnic Studies, Native American Education, and World Music Pedagogy. He has extensive international work experience with a current focus on helping to develop music teaching artist programs in Myanmar. He is the co-author of the 2018 book "World Music Pedagogy Vol. IV: Instrumental Music Education," and numerous journal articles and blogs.
Kelly Clingan -- Kelly is the former Director of Concert Bands and Jazz at Seattle’s Washington Middle School, where she taught from 2008 to 2016. A graduate of Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington, she is rooted in Seattle's celebrated tradition of music education.
Kelly is a frequent adjudicator at local and regional jazz festivals, including the Lionel Hampton and Reno Jazz Festivals. She also presents and teaches at regional and national music conferences including JEN, MMEA, HMEA, ASTA, CWU, Arts Schools Network and Berklee City Music.
In 2016, Kelly was named the University of Washington GWSS Alumni of the Year for her work on gender equity in jazz. In 2018, Kelly served on the 'Expanding Opportunities to Learn Jazz in After-school’Taskforce at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Kelly plays trombone in Banda Vagos, a traditional Mexican Banda, performing throughout the Puget Sound area on a weekly basis.
