Berklee College of Music in Boston announces that composer George S. Clinton (pictured) has been named chair of the college’s Film Scoring Department, which offers an undergraduate film scoring degree as well as a minor in scoring for videogames. Clinton is an award-winning film composer who has scored diverse films including the Austin Power movies, Mortal Kombat, and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, among others.
“Though we were sorry to see [former chair] Dan Carlin go, we’re thrilled to have someone of George’s caliber at the helm,” says Berklee president Roger H. Brown. “He’s not only at the top of his game in the film industry, he also gives back to the film music community. He has mentored young composers internationally and at the Sundance Institute’s Composers Labs for over a decade. His combination of wisdom, artistry, entrepreneurial spirit, and contemporary skills is exactly what our students need.”
“Berklee is a music Mecca and, as far as I’m concerned, President Roger Brown and Provost Larry Simpson are rock stars,” Clinton says. “The Film Scoring Department has an amazingly talented faculty, most of whom, like me, are working composers themselves. I’m very excited about bringing my own experience and ideas into the mix and I’m honored to be working with the dynamic Assistant Chair, Alison Plante, and following in the footsteps of such inspired leaders as Don Wilkins and Dan Carlin.”
Clinton’s accolades include a Grammy Award nomination and nine BMI Film Music Awards. He is the recipient of BMI’s highest honor, the Richard Kirk Career Achievement Award for Musical Excellence. Past composer honorees include Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams. A Tennessee native, Clinton was awarded the Spirit of Tennessee Award by the Tennessee Arts Academy for his career achievements and continued mentoring to students.
Find more information on Berklee College of Music’s Film Scoring Major.
Visit the Berklee College of Music at www.berklee.edu.
