25 Years at GTMF: JáTtik Clark
Those that know me know that I am a creature of habit. I have routines, schedules, rituals and such that allow me to be in a full-time orchestra, teach at several universities/colleges, also teach a few advanced high school students, play in a professional working brass quintet, try to maintain my fitness and keep physically active, all while NOT going insane in the process! Basically, I work HARD, and we all can relate to that.
The beginning of my summer Teton season is no different, and in fact has become one of my favorite annual rituals. When I leave for GTMF, I have the fortune of starting my journey from Portland, Oregon. Oregon is a large state renowned and blessed with much natural beauty, diverse topography, several climate zones, and just a lot of nice and interesting things to view with admiration and appreciation. Idaho essentially comprises the other half of my voyage, which also boasts unique landscapes and wide-open spaces. Then a quick hop into Wyoming for the last few miles or so before reaching Teton Village.
This is quite significant, knowing that once I’ve arrived in Jackson Hole, I’ll soon be able to renew my friendships with my orchestra colleagues, Maestro Sir Donald Runnicles and other guest artists, the GTMF staff and board members, and many of the locals in the area. It also represents the beginning of a renewal and replenishment of my physical, mental and spiritual selves, as well as an amplification and enhancement of my artistic and musical talents, social outgoingness and the overall whole of my being.
Despite coming from and currently living in a geographically desired state, I still appreciate the sheer beauty and many wonderful hikes that Jackson Hole offers.
The first (and every) visit to Yellowstone… simply INCREDIBLE!
The music-making from the largest of orchestra concerts right down to the smallest chamber music opportunities have helped me to grow and mature as an artist and have all been simply delightful.
While all the many friendships and bonds that I’ve made here are very special to me, there are TWO I would like to mention and highlight.
Juan de Gomar, contrabassoonist, whom I actually shared an orchestra with for two years (Oregon Symphony), was simply another face at the Festival until one particular summer where fate would bring us together as roommates. Since then, he has become a best friend, workout partner, cheerleader/support system, and my brother “from another mother”… ha! Thank you, Juan, for being who you are and for being there for me.
The other is Steve Norrell, bass trombonist, whom we recently lost earlier this year. Steve was (and IS) the model of excellence, relentless perseverance, grace under fire, and while perhaps a shorter man regarding his stature… was an absolute GIANT in the low brass field. The sound he generated will always be in my head and soul as a model to emulate. He demanded the very best from himself at all times and we spent MANY hours playing duets and orchestra rep together. Those were lessons that I’ll always cherish because he took it upon himself to challenge and force me to go even further in my craft, which was a bit unusual especially at a summer music festival. However, I understood the assignment (as they say) and will continue to carry that torch moving forward. Thank you, Steve, for always and constantly being in my corner, even now.
As one of the most popular, desired, sought after and cherished music festivals in this country (and the world), EVERY performance was and is significant to me. But I’ll force myself to narrow that down to one…
My very first invitation was the summer of 2001. It was one week playing with the orchestra and one week playing with the GTMF Brass Ensemble. The orchestra week featured Elgar’s Falstaff with Sir Mark Elder on the podium. Elgar is fiendishly difficult, especially for tuba with the extended range required and dexterity demanded of the instrument. Also knowing that I would have to play this work with brass legends and giants in the orchestral world, as a literal newcomer, definitely encouraged me to prepare as best I could! As the second of those two concerts came to a close, I knew even then that this would be a place that I would look fondly upon returning to….. again and again……. after year….. after year….. after year!