David R. Clemons recently completed his Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance at the University of Rhode Island, and is in his fifth season with the BSC Alumni Chamber Choir. Clemons began his musical studies at the young age of 4 when he asked his mother for piano lessons, and began studying percussion at eleven years old, inspired after his grandfather showed him a swing rhythm on the drum set. Early in his years at Whitman-Hanson High School, Clemons decided to pursue a serious career in music, auditioning and performing for SEMSBA band and orchestra in 2000-‘03, Southeastern District Festivals in 2002-‘03, and in 2003 performed at Symphony Hall as first chair percussionist with the MMEA All State Orchestra.

Clemons originally enrolled at Bridgewater State College as a piano major, but soon realized his true passion in percussion. During his years at the University of Rhode Island, he performed heavily with the Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and also served as assistant student director of the Percussion Ensemble. In 2007, Clemons was recognized and in 2008 inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honors Society and Golden Key International Honors Society. In addition, he was unanimously selected by the department faculty as the 2008-2009 Presser Foundation Scholar. Recently, Clemons performed Peter Tanner's Sonata for Marimba and Piano as a featured soloist with the URI Symphony Orchestra.

Outside of his scholarly studies, Clemons enjoys continued freelance performance and teaching opportunities, and can often be found playing for local productions. In the past, ensembles he has played for include the South Shore Conservatory Flute Symphony, the Fall River Symphony, and Center Stage Productions with the Courthouse Center for the Arts. Presently, Clemons teaches private lessons to middle and high school students, and works as Percussion Instructor at Narragansett High School, where he recently conducted the premiere of his first chamber work for percussion ensemble, Chores for Percussion.