Staff & faculty

Dr. Clifton Evans currently serves as Director of Orchestral Activities and Professor of Conducting at Oklahoma City University and Artistic Director of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras. Dr. Evans has enjoyed a conducting career that has taken him to Hong Kong, England, China, Austria, the Czech Republic, and throughout the United States. Highly sought after as a clinician and lecturer, Dr. Evans has conducted numerous Honor Orchestras and Bands throughout the United States and given multiple lectures on conducting and rehearsal technique.

In addition to his duties as a professor, Dr. Evans maintains an active schedule at festivals, conventions, and workshops. Recently named Principal Conductor for the American Festival for the Arts in Houston, TX, he will return to conduct during the 2026 summer season. He has served as a presenter multiple times for the Texas Orchestra Directors Association annual convention and recently became involved with their “Winter Clinic” program, a new workshop focusing specifically on rehearsal technique.

Dr. Evans’ previous positions include Director of Orchestras at the University of Texas at Arlington, Artistic Director of the Arlington Youth Symphony, Director of Orchestras and Chamber Music for the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Music Director for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston, Conductor for the Houston Youth Symphony, and Music Director and Conductor of the Houston Civic Symphony. He resides in Norman with his wife, Christy.