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WITH THE BAND Art
PEOPLE TO KNOW
WITH THE BAND
ART HOLTON HONORED FOR STORIED CAREER, COMMUNITY SERVICE
BY JAMES RAIA / D DAN HOOD
Art Holton III has performed in Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center in New York. He's walked the streets of Pasadena three times while guiding hundreds of student musicians in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Art has also played the clarinet in concerts around the globe all while thriving in a long career far closer to home.
For his longevity and accomplishments as a musician and director, Art was inducted into Lincoln High School's Hall of Fame in 2020. He joined other honorees from the past several years who celebrated in April after ceremonies were canceled in 2020 and 2021.
Music is a family affair for Art. His wife, Kathy, also a professional clarinetist, plays with her husband, still the director of Stockton Concert Band and Lodi Community Band. "For us, it has been a lifestyle," says Art, 72. "We are so blessed to have music and bands in our lives, in our 70s. To get together with people a couple of nights a week and make music. We enjoy it so much."
Art received his Hall of Fame selection for "excelling in the field of music and for community service."
A graduate of Lincoln High School in Stockton in 1968, Art received his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University and Masters of Art in Clarinet Performance from California State University, Chico. His musical credentials prompted a return to his high school alma mater where he served for 21 years as Director of Bands.
Art also followed his father's musical path as director of bands at San Joaquin Delta College where he worked until his retirement in 2015. The elder Holton was the institution's first band director when it was called Stockton College. He even taught legend Dave Brubeck music theory.
Art has served as the President of the San Joaquin County Music Educators Association, Northern California Band Association, and California Band Directors Association. He is listed in Who’s Who Among American Music Teachers. He remains in demand as a guest conductor of Honor Bands throughout Northern California, as well as a sought-after clinician and adjudicator.
