Why I Chose Backun
Backun clarinets allow me to sing beautifully. They make clarinet playing easier and way more fun.
About
Mr. Flake serves as the Band Director at Grand Oaks High School. He has taught all levels of band including beginner, intermediate, junior high and high school. His specialty is woodwinds.
Originally from Texas City, Texas, Mr. Flake graduated from The University of Houston with a Bachelor's Degree in Music. He also holds a Master's of Music Degree from DePaul University where he studied with the woodwind section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra including former principal clarinetist Larry Combs. He began his career in education in 2000 and his professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Association of Texas Professional Educators.
Mr. Flake's music accomplishments include a variety of milestones. In 1997, he was one of only four people in the world selected into the DePaul University Clarinet Studio. In 2007, his McCullough Wind Ensemble won the National Wind Band Honors Concert Band Contest. In 2014, his College Park High School Clarinet Choir was selected to perform at the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. And, the Grand Oaks Wind Ensemble was honored as a 2021 Commended Winner of the National Wind Band Honors.
Mr. Flake is happily married to his wife Karen Flake. They have two beautiful daughters, Madeline and Sydney, and live in Spring, Texas. During his spare time, he enjoys running, cooking and working with his hands.
