John G. Clemons is Visiting Director of Bands at Eastern Illinois University during the 2024 fall semester.  In this role, he serves as conductor of the Wind Symphony and Concert Band and teaches conducting. Mr. Clemons is concurrently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting at the University of North Texas where he is a student of Professor Eugene Migliaro Corporon. 

Prior to study at UNT, Mr. Clemons taught for nine years in the public schools of Illinois and Indiana where ensembles under his direction consistently received superior ratings. He earned his Master's degree in wind conducting from Northwestern University in 2016, studying with Dr. Mallory Thompson, and his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 2011, studying with James F. Keene, Joseph Manfredo, Peter Griffin, and Kenneth Steinsultz.

Originally from Tinley Park, IL, Clemons has conducted in Warsaw, Poland, is a finalist for the 2024 American Prize in conducting, and is a frequent clinician and adjudicator throughout Chicagoland and the DFW metroplex. Mr. Clemons’ guest conducting appearances include the Harper College Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds, the Chicago Clarinet Ensemble, the North Suburban Wind Ensemble, and collaborations with artists David Childs, John Yeh, Michael Lowenstern, and several others.