Clark Gardner, son of James and Judy Gardner, is a native of El Dorado, Kansas. He studied percussion with J.C. Combs at Wichita State University and was a member of the Symphonic Band under the direction of Victor Markovich. Clark performed as a member of the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps (1992-1994), where he served as percussion section leader, winning DCI's High Percussion Award in 1993. He was a member of the percussion staff at Star of Indiana in 1995 and 1996, when the group performed at Tanglewood, the Hollywood Bowl, Avery Fisher Hall, Ravinia, Blossom, and many other renowned venues. As a soloist, Mr. Gardner has recorded the Canadian Brass ("Brass on Broadway"), and has several recording credits as a member of "Brass Theater".

Clark began teaching in Fort Bend ISD, where he instructed groups that were selected as TMEA Honor Band in 1994 and made numerous appearances at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic during the years 1995 – 1998.) Mr. Gardner currently teaches percussion at Klein High School, Doerre Intermediate, and Kleb Intermediate Schools in Klein ISD. Klein H.S. is the defending three-time champion of the Lone Star Marching Percussion competition hosted annually by Marcus H.S. The music program at Klein H.S. was recently selected as a Grammy Signature School.

Clark is an Educational Artist for the Avedis Zildjian Company and an endorser of Pro-Mark Sticks and Mallets. An active clinician and adjudicator, Clark is a member of the Percussive Arts Society and the TBA.