Biography

Clifford S. Southern is an accomplished music educator, arranger, and electronic music producer with over 15 years of experience in education and music production. Born in Albany, GA, and raised in metro-Atlanta, Southern developed his musical talents early, studying woodwind and brass instruments in the DeKalb County School District. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music Education from Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge, LA) and a Master's in Music Technology from Southern Utah University (Cedar City, UT).

Southern began his teaching career in the City of Baker Schools in Baker, LA, before moving to Port Arthur Independent School District in Port Arthur, TX. He later returned to his hometown to teach in the DeKalb County School District, where he spent 15 years. Over the course of his career, Southern has helped students secure millions of dollars in scholarship offers, earn first-chair Honor Band placements, achieve superior solo and ensemble performances, and lead excellent and superior-rated band ensembles. His achievements as an educator include arranging music for bands across the country, performing for the family of the late Tupac Shakur, and being honored as a STAR Teacher by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

A passionate advocate for music education, Southern believes every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the potential to succeed. His professional affiliations include the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), the National Association for Music Education, ASCAP, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc. (Zeta Nu).