Garry E. Clarke ’65

Musician and educator Garry E. Clarke ’65, of Chestertown, Maryland, died July 3, 2016, at age 73.

He was born in Moline, Illinois, and studied music at Cornell. Following his undergraduate days, he earned a master of music degree from Yale University and began his teaching career at Washington College in Chestertown, from which he retired in 2012.

During his 44-year career at Washington College, he was dean of the college from 1977 to 1983, served for many years as the chair of the music department, and was acting president in 1981-82. Washington College awarded him the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Gold Pentagon Award for Meritorious Service, and an honorary doctorate, the only faculty member to be so honored. He is memorialized at the school by the Garry E. Clarke Music Library and the Garry E. Clarke Music Endowment, from which the Garry E. Clarke Music Prize is awarded.

Clarke played solo piano concerts and recitals in the United States and Europe. He was accompanist, mentor, and coach to numerous singers, including artists who appeared with the Metropolitan Opera. He composed opera, symphonic, chamber, vocal, piano, and organ music. He wrote, published, and lectured widely on a variety of music subjects. He was a church musician and director for 55 years.