‘Humbled and honored’: USC’s Dr. Clifford Leaman joins elite group of saxophonists

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – University of South Carolina saxophone professor Dr. Clifford Leaman was honored this spring, becoming a lifetime honorary member of the North American Saxophone Alliance. Leaman has been teaching classical saxophone at the university level for over 40 years. Only around a dozen saxophonists hold this prestigious honor.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to join the other saxophonists honored by this organization who have given so much of their lives to the growth and acceptance of the saxophone in the musical world,” says Leaman.

“This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but of the many colleagues and students who have been such a driving force in my career. It would not have been possible to have achieved this honor without the supportive and stimulating musical environment at the USC School of Music.”

Our very own chief meteorologist, Adam Clark, was a student of Dr. Leaman while he was in high school.

Clark said, “Dr. Leaman’s weekly lessons helped me in all aspects of my professional life. From practicing correctly, perseverance, and putting in the hard work, it has shaped me to be who I am today, and he deserves this honor, and I am so very happy for him.”

Leaman has served on the faculties of Furman University, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Michigan before joining the University of South Carolina, where he has been a faculty member for over 25 years.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE BELOW:

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.