Clyde Morris

Clyde Morris’ mother loved and appreciated music and ensured her three children were exposed to a wide range of music. She took them to symphonies quite often and by the time he was in the first grade Clyde was taking piano lessons as his sisters did. He played in the school bands and focused on the tuba while in college. Having great music teachers throughout school Clyde was inspired to become a band director. His first teaching job was in Alabama in 1974. The owners of the local music store, Gadsden Music (which opened a few years earlier in 1971), called on him and supported his band program in many ways. He got to know the owners of the store and joined the store staff, only to purchase the company a few years later. The company expanded to three stores, which include band and orchestra supplies and instruments as well as combo instruments. Clyde has developed lifelong friendships with the band directors he calls on as he can relate to their needs and their passion for seeing their students succeed.