Clay H. Blackman was fortunate to teach Choral Music to the young people of Nebraska for 37 years. During that time, he taught students of all ages from kindergarten through college. He has presented interest sessions at local, state and national music conventions and Magnet Schools of America Conferences on topics including vocal pedagogy, new choral music reading and building healthy relationships within the choral music classroom. His former students have had the opportunity to showcase their talents in many different venues including National Magnet School Conventions, Walt Disney World, Josh Groban in concert, and a performance at the Governor’s Inaugural Ball. Retired from Omaha South High Magnet School since 2014, he and his husband opened The Covered Porch Cafe in Stromsburg, which they sold 18 months later. Having failed retirement twice, he accepted a position teaching PK-12 Vocal Music and Assistant One Act Play director at Cross County Schools in Stromsburg. After four years at Cross County, he retired once again in the spring of 2019. He has served the Nebraska Music Education Association as Chair of Exhibits for three years and in January moved from President Elect/Conference Chair to the current President of that same organization. He continues to maintain an active schedule as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Midwest. He is a much sought after substitute teacher and enjoys cooking part time at a local bar. Blackman holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Kearney State College and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane University. He retains membership in the Nebraska Music Education Association (NMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
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