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April 2025 Alumni Spotlight – JáTtik Clark, ’97

JáTtik Clark, ’97, (Bachelor of Music in Tuba Performance) is the Principal Tubist for the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, Co-Principal Tubist for the Grand Teton Music Festival, Applied Tuba and Euphonium Instructor at Portland State University, and the Applied Tuba and Euphonium Co-Instructor at Oregon State University. We recently caught up with JáTtik to ask him some questions about his time at the USC School of Music.

Why did you choose the USC School of Music?  

Proximity to home. Familiarity and experience with some of the faculty. Affordability and scholarships made available. Reputation and strength of the program in the region.

What ensembles were you a member of while at USC?

Chamber Ensemble(s), Carolina Band; USC Symphonic Winds; USC Symphony Orchestra; USC Wind Ensemble; Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity (Delta Sigma Chapter)

What person, course or experience was most influential for you while at the School of Music? 

Ron Davis, Robert Pruzin, Bill Zeyfuss, and James Copenhaver.

How has your education at the USC School of Music helped you in your life and career? 

At the time, it offered an ideal education and experience that was precisely what I needed in order to progress to the next level of my development as an aspiring professional musician.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors or activities while attending the School of Music? 

The many Wind Ensemble and Orchestra concerts that I performed in, with several classmates that were of similar mind and purpose in our desire to play at the very best level.    

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates pursuing a music performance or music education career? 

Never settle and always strive for the very best in excellence and being optimal (not perfect!). Always put the music first and lead with musicality.    

What is one of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from the School of Music in which your education played a role?

Attaining my first (and current) professional orchestra position as Principal Tubist of the Oregon Symphony. Having subsequent opportunities to sub with some of this country's most recognized and esteemed orchestras like the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and the LA Philharmonic.

Do you have any recent career changes, accomplishments, awards, major life events, etc. you would like to share?

I'll be joining the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra for performances at the Eastman School of Music in Kodak Hall and Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, NYC in later April 2025.

In addition to his role with the Oregon Symphony, Clark performs with Rose City  Brass Quintet.

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