Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame
'Promoting fellowship and friendship among all musicians of the Wabash Valley'
Musical History of Clair Woodward
Musical Influences
Clair's musical career began when his mother gave him a small pocket
knife for singing "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" for the 1st grade
Christmas Program. When he was in 5th grade, his father bought
his older brother an alto saxophone. When Clair told his father
that his brother was not taking the sax to school, he received the
instrument as a Christmas present.
He participated in the ROTC program in school, and was eventually
called to active duty by the Air Force. He was first chair sax
while attended college. After earning his MS degree, he taught band
and orchestra in Utah. After receiving his Doctor of Education,
he became the band and orchestra director in Elko, Nevada.
He came to Terre Haute to become the Director of Music Extension at
Indiana State University in 1967. He also superintended six Summer
Music Workshops. After 27 years at ISU as Associate Professor of
Music, Director of Music Extension and Independent Study, he retired in
1994.
He is a self-taught piano tuner. His tuning and repairing skills
span over 55 years and he still tunes pianos all over Indiana.
His wife still insists music and piano tuning are his first
loves, she comes in a distant third!
Musical Career
Below are some of the bands and orchestras that Clair performed with:
| Jodi Noble Band | 5 piece band |
| Jack Dunn Band | 13 piece band |
| Jim Dailey Band | 1940's radio show at ISU |
| Stonehenge | Formed in 1994 |
| T.H. Community Band | Saxophonist |
Clair has also conducted many bands and orchestras, including the Utah State U. band, pep band and marching band, the Sound of Nevada Band, Bear River Band and Orchestra, and the Elko High School Band. He also conducted choirs in Terre Haute and Bloomington from 1967-2012.
Memorable Moments
While at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, he organized a Drum
and Bugle group that is still functioning after 60 years.
He played for the opening ceremony of the 1960 Winter Olympics.
In Nevada, he directed a 50 voice chorus and 20 piece orchestra
production of The Messiah.
Hall of Fame
Clair was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a part of the Class
of 2013.
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Last update on 17 Dec 2016