Currently...
-Clarence appeared in the Queen's New Year's Honours book in 2012 and received an MBE for his contributions towards music. Clarence was informed that the Queen also took into account his community work and demeanour, classifying him as a 'Role Model' for the British people.
- Clarence is very active in the North East for assisting others with disability. He was a key consultant for disabled people in the design for SAGE, Gateshead.
-In 2012, Clarence also played alongside the British Paraorchestra and Friends in the Paralympic closing ceremony alongside Coldplay.
-Clarence is currently an ambassador for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
-He is also currently on the advisory panel for Live Music Now.
To read more about Clarence's life now, click here.
- Clarence is very active in the North East for assisting others with disability. He was a key consultant for disabled people in the design for SAGE, Gateshead.
-In 2012, Clarence also played alongside the British Paraorchestra and Friends in the Paralympic closing ceremony alongside Coldplay.
-Clarence is currently an ambassador for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
-He is also currently on the advisory panel for Live Music Now.
To read more about Clarence's life now, click here.
Clarence's Story
|
Early Days:
As a young child, Clarence (and three of his siblings) remained in the UK when his parents moved back to their home in Ghana. The four children were welcomed into the home of Vera and Arthur Keep, foster parents who brought them up in a Christian home. Vera Keep had wanted to be a missionary to Africa, but was prevented on health grounds, so when the opportunity came to foster the Adoo children, she jumped straight in. They lived in a terraced house in Shoeburyness, Essex, where the family attended the Salvation Army and were dedicated Slavationists. Arthur was the flag carrier and Vera sang in the Songsters, sometimes playing the piano. They took Clarence, along with Harry, Patience and Helena, regularly to the Salvation Army. It was through this exposure to music that Clarence (at only the age of 6) was introduced to the brass band and began learning to play the cornet. |
|
Musical Developments
|
As he got older, Clarence proved to be a virtuoso. When he sat down at a piano, he played it competently and fluently. He humbly gave no indication that he was learning to playtime piano, but one day somebody found out and asked him to play. This led to him becoming the pianist of choice for hymns and worship.
Back in the band, Clarence went on to become an exceptional principal cornet and he was later appointed as deputy bandmaster - a duty he fitted perfectly with his increasing number of professional engagements. These ranged from gig sessions to orchestral concerts, and working alongside the likes of Courtney Pine and Sir Cliff Richard. |
At that time, it was difficult to secure any positions within professional orchestras, but Clarence did. He went onto play with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, and also did work for the Bournemouth Sinfonietta and Symphony Orchestra. Soon his name was spreading across the UK.
Back in Shoeburyness, he accepted the promotion from deputy bandmaster to bandmaster (far more than a musical director; having full responsibility for the band). Clarence was determined to fulfil his duties and to do the best of his ability.
As Clarence's professional commitments increased, He would often be away three weeks out of four, however his loyalty to the small band in Shoeburyness did not waver. It was not unusual for him to appear half way through a band practice having driven down from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, neither was it unusual to fleetingly discuss band business late into the evenings.
Back in Shoeburyness, he accepted the promotion from deputy bandmaster to bandmaster (far more than a musical director; having full responsibility for the band). Clarence was determined to fulfil his duties and to do the best of his ability.
As Clarence's professional commitments increased, He would often be away three weeks out of four, however his loyalty to the small band in Shoeburyness did not waver. It was not unusual for him to appear half way through a band practice having driven down from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, neither was it unusual to fleetingly discuss band business late into the evenings.
The Accident
Clarence's brother Harry was preparing for his wedding in August 1995 and had arranged a stag party to celebrate. Along with his orchestra colleague Emma Forbes, Clarence set out in his black BMW to make the 300mile journey that he had done many times from Newcastle to Shoeburyness. About one-third of the way through that journey, on the A1 near Retford, Nottinghamshire, his car began to behave strangely, resulting in a serious car accident.
Back in Essex his friends were anxious for news of him, willing him to get. it was devastating news as the full extent of his injuries slowly dawned.
To hear Clarence speak about his accident, listen to the podcast below:
Back in Essex his friends were anxious for news of him, willing him to get. it was devastating news as the full extent of his injuries slowly dawned.
To hear Clarence speak about his accident, listen to the podcast below:
Progress
|
|
|
|
Not the End
In a Radio 4 interview with Libby Purves, Clarence described his reaction to realising the results of the accident when he was in hospital:
"I've got a choice, really. One is to give up and feel sorry for myself. Or the other attitude was to be positive and dust myself down and have a good crack at life and see what was possible."
So Clarence did dust himself down and has been an inspiration to all who know him or have come to know him. Yet he remains as sympathetic and unassuming as ever.
When Clarence came out of hospital friends set up The Clarence Adoo Trust fund for him - people from all walks of life have contributed to concerts and sponsored events to help provide Clarence with a suitably equipped home to live in and access treatment he would otherwise be denied.
Those of us who know and love Clarence are grateful for all the support from the media for helping tell his story: how his personality and utter reliance on God keeps him vibrant and positive. His work has changed, but the sphere of his influence now is much greater than it ever was.
"I've got a choice, really. One is to give up and feel sorry for myself. Or the other attitude was to be positive and dust myself down and have a good crack at life and see what was possible."
So Clarence did dust himself down and has been an inspiration to all who know him or have come to know him. Yet he remains as sympathetic and unassuming as ever.
When Clarence came out of hospital friends set up The Clarence Adoo Trust fund for him - people from all walks of life have contributed to concerts and sponsored events to help provide Clarence with a suitably equipped home to live in and access treatment he would otherwise be denied.
Those of us who know and love Clarence are grateful for all the support from the media for helping tell his story: how his personality and utter reliance on God keeps him vibrant and positive. His work has changed, but the sphere of his influence now is much greater than it ever was.
A letter from Clarence
|
|
"In August 1995 I was involved in a car accident which left me paralysed from my shoulders down. Sadly it became apparent to me shortly after this that, even with the best will and determination in the world, there would be many things that would not be possible without the help and support of others. It has been amazing how colleagues and friends have rallied round and supported me in so many different ways.
So far the funds raised for the Trust have been able to assist me with some of my house adaptations, the purchasing of a specially adapted vehicle and other essential items that I have needed.
Whilst in intensive care, shortly after my accident, I tried to imagine what sort of life I could expect as a totally paralysed musician. I never dreamt that the life I am now living could have been possible, all so fulfilling and enjoyable - this is largely due to generous donations which have helped towards acquiring some much needed equipment. I use a voice-activated computer and telephone for work on education projects and orchestral administration for the Royal Northern Sinfonia.
A typical week for me now includes a bit of trumpet teaching, blowing a few notes on the natural trumpet and my work with the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Six weeks after the accident I was told that the small head movement that I had was all I was to expect recovery wise. Deep down I did not believe this and so worked hard at physiotherapy classes both physically and mentally and since those early days I have got some feeling back in the top of my back and chest and a little bit of movement is now returning to the top part of my left arm. So I am forever the optimist despite the fact that physio is another one of those crazy things one is not entitled to and has to be paid for privately.
Thank you once again for your kind support."
Clarence Adoo
So far the funds raised for the Trust have been able to assist me with some of my house adaptations, the purchasing of a specially adapted vehicle and other essential items that I have needed.
Whilst in intensive care, shortly after my accident, I tried to imagine what sort of life I could expect as a totally paralysed musician. I never dreamt that the life I am now living could have been possible, all so fulfilling and enjoyable - this is largely due to generous donations which have helped towards acquiring some much needed equipment. I use a voice-activated computer and telephone for work on education projects and orchestral administration for the Royal Northern Sinfonia.
A typical week for me now includes a bit of trumpet teaching, blowing a few notes on the natural trumpet and my work with the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Six weeks after the accident I was told that the small head movement that I had was all I was to expect recovery wise. Deep down I did not believe this and so worked hard at physiotherapy classes both physically and mentally and since those early days I have got some feeling back in the top of my back and chest and a little bit of movement is now returning to the top part of my left arm. So I am forever the optimist despite the fact that physio is another one of those crazy things one is not entitled to and has to be paid for privately.
Thank you once again for your kind support."
Clarence Adoo
