Matthew Clark

Born in Southport, England, before immigrating to Canada, Matthew Clark began his musical career as a Primary Reservist in 1994, later joining the Regular Force on euphonium in 1997. His distinguished military tenure included serving as Commanding Officer and Director of Music for the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (2011–2016) and the Royal Canadian Air Force Band (2016–2021), culminating in his 2021 appointment as Commandant of the Canadian Forces Music Training Centre. Throughout his service, he held key roles in Edmonton with The Royal Canadian Artillery Band and in Ottawa with the Band of the Ceremonial Guard and the Directorate of History and Heritage – Music. Beyond the military, Matthew is a highly sought-after guest conductor who has led elite ensembles such as 'The President’s Own' United States Marine Band, the United States Navy Band, the Victoria Symphony, and the National Latvian Military Band. His academic and leadership contributions include serving as Director of the Wind Ensemble at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music and producing ten full-length albums featuring commissioned works from noted composers. These contributions earned him appointment to the Order of Military Merit in 2019, membership in the American Bandmasters Association in 2016, and various commendations from the Royal Canadian Navy and Land Force Central Area. Educated at the University of Toronto and the University of Kansas - where he will graduate with a Doctorate in Wind Band Conducting in 2025 - Matthew remains active on the ABA’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee. An accomplished euphonium soloist featured on CBC Radio and the Arktos Label, he has also dedicated significant time to mentoring youth through Cadet Honour Bands and the Youth Mentorship Program. His international career has seen him perform across the globe, from Korea and Croatia to the United Kingdom and throughout the United States.