After more than 25 years of teaching, mentoring, and performing at Georgia State, Prof. Tania Maxwell Clements conducted her final concert with the Georgia State Campus Orchestra on April 7, marking the close of a remarkable chapter at the School of Music.
The performance was especially fitting. In 2022, Maxwell Clements founded the Campus Orchestra to create a space where students from across the university could continue playing, regardless of major. In just a few years, the ensemble became a meaningful artistic home for students who wanted to stay connected to music beyond their primary field of study.
That impact was felt immediately in collaborative work across the School.
“Tania has always been one of our most caring and devoted colleagues,” said Devin Reid, Interim Associate Director of Bands and Interim Director of Athletic Bands. “In the first year of the Campus Orchestra, we combined forces with the Concert Band to create an ensemble of more than 100 musicians. It was a powerful experience—many of those students had never performed in a full orchestra setting. I will miss having Tania around the School of Music and wish her the best in her new chapter.”
Her impact at Georgia State has been both wide-reaching and deeply personal. As a teacher of viola and violin, she has mentored generations of students, shaping not only their musicianship but their confidence and sense of artistic identity.
“It is difficult to put into words what Tania Maxwell Clements has meant to our School of Music,” said Dr. Lara Dahl. “From the very beginning, she has been more than a colleague—she has been a mentor, a guide, and a steady, encouraging presence. She has long been the heart of the string area.”
At the same time, she has maintained an active performing career at the highest level. A regular performer with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Maxwell Clements has also contributed to a range of faculty ensembles and continues to perform with regional orchestras across the Southeast.
Colleagues point not only to her accomplishments, but to the spirit in which she has carried them out.
“Tania is an amazing musician, conductor, and pedagogue,” said Dr. Martin Norgaard. “Seeing her instruct and conduct students on all levels during String Day and Campus Orchestra rehearsals and concerts has been an inspiration.”
Her service to the School of Music has been equally significant. As String Area Coordinator, she played a central role in shaping the direction and growth of the program, while also contributing to numerous committees, including the Executive Committee.
“When I was Interim Director, the string area was facing declining enrollment and low morale,” said Dr. Patrick Freer. “The constant exception—the one bright light—was Tania. Her enthusiasm, positive attitude, and record of success led me to appoint her as String Area Coordinator, and the area has continued to grow ever since.”
Her work has extended far beyond the classroom. As String Area Coordinator, she helped shape the direction and growth of the program while also building impactful professional connections, including creating opportunities for students to perform at the Georgia Aquarium during the holiday season. She has been deeply involved in outreach efforts through String Days and summer orchestra camps, and has maintained an active presence in the profession through her involvement with ASTA and as a familiar face at the GMEA conference year after year.
Beyond her accomplishments, colleagues consistently point to her integrity, advocacy, and unwavering support for those around her.
“She brings thoughtfulness, integrity, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does,” Dahl added. “Her service has been deeply impactful, particularly through her work on the Executive Committee, where she has been a strong and consistent voice for fairness and inclusivity.”
“Tania has been a rock for this School of Music,” said Kathryn Hartgrove, voice professor and interim director of opera. “Whenever I had a question or concern, I would always seek her out because I knew she cared and wanted to help. Her steady hand, collegiality, and professionalism are things we should all work to emulate. She will be greatly missed.”
For many, her artistry has been just as defining as her leadership.
“I am especially grateful for her incredible artistry in bringing my music to life,” said Dr. Nick Demos, former director of the School of Music. “It has been a privilege to collaborate with her over the years, and I hope those collaborations continue.”
“Tania Maxwell Clements has been a cornerstone of the GSU School of Music for 28 years,” added Dr. Tamara Dworetz, director of orchestras. “The depth and breadth of her impact is apparent—on our students, the Campus Orchestra, and the greater Atlanta string community. She is a role model for us all and will be sorely missed.”
For newer faculty, that same sense of generosity and collegiality has made an immediate impression.
“You have been such an important part of my first year at GSU,” said Dr. Serena Scibelli. “Your generosity, openness, and willingness to help made a huge difference as I started this new position.”
Throughout her time at Georgia State, Maxwell Clements has also been recognized for her leadership and service, including participation in the university’s Leadership Academy for Women Faculty.
While this moment marks the end of her time in the classroom at Georgia State, it is just a shift—one that allows her to focus more fully on performing, with new projects already on the horizon. Her legacy at Georgia State is lasting—found in the students she has mentored, the programs she has built, and the community she has helped shape.