“He taught a thousand children to keep time, and every one of them kept his.”
Clarence Edward Hollis
October 3, 1954 - July 2, 2026 (71 years old)
Born on October 3, 1954 in Memphis, Tennessee
Passed away on July 2, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan
“He taught a thousand children to keep time, and every one of them kept his.”
October 3, 1954 - July 2, 2026 (71 years old)
Born on October 3, 1954 in Memphis, Tennessee
Passed away on July 2, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan
About
Clarence Edward Hollis was born in Memphis and raised on a street where somebody was always playing something. He picked up a cornet at eleven, switched to trumpet at thirteen, and never really put it down.
He spent thirty-seven years as band director at Huron High School in Ann Arbor, where he was known for two things: refusing to let anyone quit, and refusing to let anyone coast. He kept a folding chair at the edge of the football field and conducted from it in every weather Michigan could produce.
Away from the podium he played standards on Sunday mornings, worked the crossword in ink, walked slowly, talked quickly, and made a pot of chili every October that people planned their weekends around.
Quick Facts
Favorite Quote
Play it like you mean it, or do not play it at all.
— Clarence, first morning of band camp, every single year
Known For
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