Ron Jewell was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and began playing the clarinet in 4th grade.  He graduated from Satellite High School, attended Brevard Junior College in Cocoa, and received a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University.  After playing in the 536th Air Force Band at Patrick AFB, and the SAC Band at Offutt AFB in Nebraska, he received a Master of Music from the University of Nebraska. He taught in Omaha and Stromsburg, Nebraska, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and in Brevard County.  While teaching in Nebraska, he was the clarinet section leader in the 43rd Army Band of the Nebraska National Guard. His military career ended when he retired from the Naval Reserves. He performs with Central Florida Winds and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.  He has worked for the U.S. Postal Service since 1986, and teaches clarinet privately.

What is your favorite aspect about being a musician? My favorite aspect of being a musician the feeling of having performed well with a good ensemble. That is fun!

Which composers most inspire you?  I appreciate Mozart and Brahms for their beautiful clarinet works.  I have played wonderful works by many composers ranging from Mozart to Brahms to Barber to Richard Strauss.

What is your favorite recording(s)?   I really don't have a favorite recording.  When listening to music I usually listen to classical music or jazz.

What piece are you looking forward to most in the SCSO's 2010 - 2011 Season?  I am looking forward to performing Die Moldau and Mendelssohn's Fourth Symphony.