Don Cantwell, beloved Central New York teacher and leader of the Clef Dwellers, passed away April 21, 2025, at the age of 100.
Don was a notable musician, academic, mentor, and clinician; he taught for over thirty years, most notably in Whitesboro (NY) Central School District, and served as an adjunct professor at Hamilton College, Colgate University, and Mohawk Valley Community College. He graduated from Syracuse University and served in the US Navy during WWII.
He was the conductor of the CNY Wind and Percussion Ensemble for the Music Educators National Conferences in Buffalo (1957-60); Principal Clarinet for the Great American Concert Band in Lake Placid (1984-94); and First Clarinet for the Eastman School of Music. He was also a published author of a clarinet method instruction book.
Don remained mentally agile and musically active past the century mark. In July 2024, celebrated his 100th birthday at Unity Hall in Barneveld, New York, where his jazz band, the Clef Dwellers (a group including his alumni students and other prominent local musicians), accompanied Don’s clarinet as they performed traditional jazz tunes and other old favorites. Don was featured soloist on “Memories of You” and “When You’re Smiling.” He introduced “Memories of You” with a personal story about hearing Benny Goodman play the tune in New York in 1942.
Over the years Don brought many top performers into the Whitesboro High School for music clinics with his students. As music director for Whitesboro, he was responsible for a continuous series of award-winning Stage/Jazz big bands, which in turn inspired many students to become professional musicians and educators.
His accomplishments have been widely acknowledged: Don was chosen as the John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the year awarded by Berklee School of music in 2008, received the Herbert L. & Jean Schultz Mentor Ideal award, and in 2012 was named an Oneida County “Living Legend.” He passed away two weeks before being inducted into the Rome (NY) Arts Hall of Fame.
The Sunday following his 100th birthday bash, Don Cantwell played with the Clef Dwellers at Arrowhead Park in Inlet, New York. Don arrived with his clarinet and played the entire job. Near the end of the concert, Don concluded a tune with a cadenza that ended on a high A, four ledger lines above the staff.
Don Cantwell was a talented, generous man who, over the course of a long life, immeasurably improved the world within his scope.
