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  • Jana Jae and Roy Clark do some fiddling around at the opening of the NTC’s Roy Clark Music School. Thomas Vanhooser

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February 3, 2012

NTC’s opens Roy Clark Music School

Rebecca Hattaway Staff Reporter

CLAREMORE — Claremore is no stranger to country music talent.

Now residents have the opportunity to learn from industry greats without leaving town.

On Thursday Northeast Technology Center’s Claremore campus officially opened the Roy Clark Music School,

“We’re very fortunate to have Roy Clark endorse our music school,” said Rick Reimer, campus director. “He’s an icon — both as a musician and as an entertainer.”

Clark spent more than 20 years as host of the hit show “Hee Haw.” He is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has won numerous awards during his 50-year career, including the Academy of Country Music’s “Entertainer of the Year” award. He continues to perform live and record new music.

At the ribbon cutting and reception, Clark was joined by the “unofficial” board of the music school, including Ray Bingham, Shelby Eicher, Rick Morton, Spencer Sutton, Jana Jae and Danny McBride — who will serve as instructors.

“This is the top of the top in country music,” Reimer said. “Our students have the opportunity to learn from the best at a fraction of the cost of private lessons.”

The Roy Clark Music School offers a variety of classes including guitar, fiddle, mandolin, music theory, piano, sound mixing, introduction to the music business, and more.

Bingham teaches the “Inside the Music Business” course. He has actively managed, produced, and booked acts continuously for over 50 years, since 1958, and has been involved with many of today’s top entertainers since their early careers.

Shelby Eicher teaches mandolin, fiddle, and music theory. He has spent 10 years on Hee Haw, 15 years in the Roy Clark Band, four “Tonight Show” performances, and much more. Eicher has played on the “SpongeBob SquarePants” soundtrack, PlayStation video games, and more.

Rick Morton teaches mandolin, fiddle, and music theory. He is a professional musician with years of inside experience and performance in the music industry. Morton plays 10-15 live shows per month, is a Jana Jae Fiddle Camp instructor, a member of multiple music groups, and a private instructor.

Spencer Sutton teaches Keyboard I Piano. He is currently performing with Bob Wills Texas Playboys, Mary Cogan, Janet Rutland, Mark Bruner, and Shelby Eicher. Sutton has 40 years of experience including work with Gus Hardin, Ronnie Dunn, Hank Thompson, and Debbie Campbell.

Jana Jae teaches fiddle. She is a world renowned fiddle player. She has been part of the regular team of performers on “Hee Haw” and has appeared with such country music greats as Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, Ray Stevens, The Oakridge Boys, Mel Tillis, Ricky Skaggs, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Danny McBride teaches guitar. He is currently performing with the Tulsa Playboys. McBride has played with groups such as Brooks & Dunn, Eddie Raven, and more, and has recorded on countless albums, toured, played on movie soundtracks, and more.

The Roy Clark Music School is part of NTC’s adult education program.

“One night a week you can learn to do almost anything — and now you can learn country music,” Reimer said. “We’re just thrilled. It’s also exciting for the students — and that is what it’s all about.”

Classes at the Roy Clark Music School are starting now. For enrollment information, call NTC’s Claremore campus at (918) 342-8066.

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