Dr. François Scarborough Clemmons is an Afro-American singer, actor, playwright and university lecturer. He is perhaps best known for his appearances on the PBS television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood throughout the 1970s and 1980s. From 1997 until his retirement in 2013, Maestro Clemmons was the Alexander Twilight Artist in Residence and director of the Martin Luther King Spiritual Choir at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. He “fulfilled the role of professor, choirmaster, resident vocal soloist, adviser, confidant, mentor, and community cheerleader.” He is also well known in the Middlebury community for his superb rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, which he sings at the Middlebury College men’s basketball games, swimming meets, and other community fundraising events. Dr. Clemmons actively writes across genres for a variety of age groups.
He is currently writing his autobiography entitled Officer Clemmons: A Memoir; a series of five children’s stories entitled Little ButterCup and the Majic Cane, and a volume of poetry entitled A Place Of My Own. Some of his published works include a volume of choral arrangements of spirituals titled Songs for Today and a stage musical titled My Name Is Hayes based on the life of the great tenor, Roland Hayes. He also commissioned a choral work composed of American Negro Spirituals entitled Changed My Name, arranged by Linda Twine, and published by Henshaw Music in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Dr. Francois Scarborough Clemmons is seeking an intern to take dictation and/or file sessions on his computer so he can easily retrieve them. This will be approximately 10 hours a week at his home in Middlebury. Ideally several days a week from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Flexible but during the daylight hours. This is a great opportunity to work with a Black American and historical figure. Francois is eager to share his experience as a living vital part of the Civil Rights movement, the hetero-sexual revolution, the gay revolution, and women’s liberation, all while navigating a career in classical singing. He has lived experiences of brutal racism, denied musical opportunities, as well as uplifting work as Officer Clemmons on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, where he worked closely with a historical, icon who paved the way for how we view and educate young children today. This could prove to be an invaluable experience for a young person who would be interested in American history and the focus of an individual who considers himself “A Citizen Of The World.”
Deadline date: Sunday, November 28
