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Carol Sue Clark |
Carol Sue Clark, 86, formerly of North Lima, Oh., and who served as the Boardman High School Orchestra Director for 27 years, died on Thanksgiving Day.
Miss Clark took the BHS orchestral program to new heights when she succeeded its founder, Richard S. Bame, in 1971.
She became director of a small orchestra and transformed it into a comprehensive music education program engaging hundreds of students every year in grades 5–12.
Students, regardless of income, were able to learn a string instrument and be part of an orchestra. She believed in the potential of all students who wanted to learn to play and pushed them to achieve remarkable things. Focused on musical excellence, Miss Clark prepared her orchestra to compete in state and national competitions, performing difficult works not often attempted by high school orchestras.
During her tenure the Boardman High School Orchestra annually earned superior ratings at state competitions. In addition, the orchestra earned numerous grand champion awards at national competitions and multiple gold and silver medals at international competitions.
As director of the Boardman High School Orchestra, she developed new programs for students that gave the opportunity for competition and travel, impacting thousands of lives through her love of music.
Miss Clark retired from teaching in 1999 and then developed another passion---training, showing and breeding Norwich Terriers. She bought a motor home and she and her dogs would travel throughout the United States to dog shows. She was adept at her craft and earned a berth in the famed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
As one former student of Miss Clark’s said---“She has influenced thousands of lives over the years. Quite honestly, she was one of the more influential people in my life throughout some important years. I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for her.”