Background
Dr. Adam Ballif holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from Arizona State University. He is currently Associate Professor of Music at Mesa State College where he teaches clarinet and saxophone, and coordinates the music education program. Before coming to Mesa State, Dr. Ballif was Assistant Professor of Clarinet at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana and served as Principal Clarinetist with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. He received his Bachelor' s Degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University. While in Utah, he performed with the Orchestra at Temple square, which included performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and recording soundtracks for motion pictures produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In July 2002, Dr. Ballif participated in the Belgium Clarinet Academy and presented a paper titled, "Benny Goodman Influences Classical Composition, " at the 2002 International Clarinet Association's convention in Stockholm Sweden. In Arizona he was principal clarinetist with the Mesa Symphony Orchestra and taught instrumental music at the elementary and middle school levels. His principal clarinet teachers include Robert Spring, William Holman, and Alan Stanek. Dr. Ballif remains active as a performer and clinician. Recent and upcoming presentations and performances include appearances at the Colorado Music Educators Conference, Music at Temple Square Concert Series, and the Montana/Idaho Clarinet Festival.
