Ken Graves

Originally from Mount Pleasant, SC, Kenneth Graves is Principal Clarinet of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and Meridian Symphony Orchestra.  Kenneth earned his high school diploma from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a Bachelor of Music degree from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.  He received a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and attended the Colburn Conservatory of Music upon graduation.  His principal teachers include Yehuda Gilad, Richie Hawley, and Robert Listokin. 

As a concerto soloist, Kenneth has performed with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and Meridian Symphony Orchestra. Over his career, he's had the opportunity to perform with a diverse array of artists, including Conrad Tao, Anton Nel, Tai Murray, Randall Goosby, Mac McAnally, Coral Reefer Band, Nicholas Payton and Wycliffe Gordon, among others.  Kenneth served as Principal Clarinet of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra for two seasons under the direction of Timothy Muffitt and is a regular substitute with the Pensacola Symphony under Peter Rubardt.  He has held fellowships at the Music Academy of the West, National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute and was a member of the Spoleto USA Festival Orchestra in Charleston, SC for two seasons.  

In addition to his performance schedule, Kenneth enjoys maintaining an active private clarinet studio, both in-person and virtual, and is an adjunct faculty member at Millsaps College and Mississippi College.