John Worley

His early performances included a position as first clarinetist in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, as well as first clarinetist in the Connecticut Symphony. While teaching at State University College at Oneonta, NY (aka "Oneonta State", now SUNY Oneonta) Worley took charge of the community-based Oneonta Symphony (now the Catskill Symphony Orchestra) in 1947. The ensemble had been dormant since World War II decimated its ranks, and by 1953 Worley had succeeded in rejuvenating it to the point where a full concert was possible. By 1954, under his direction it had swelled to 57 musicians and began presenting local concerts for 400 people. While at Oneonta State, Worley also conducted the campus vocal group, the Choraleers, and served as music director for stage productions. After his retirement from the Symphony, Worley returned to Oneonta to perform as clarinet soloist. He performed with the Saxophone Sinfonia at Lincoln Center in New York City; the Cape Cod Orchestra in Massachusetts; and was an active participant at several Saxophone Workshops held by friends Sigurd Raschèr and Lee Patrick. Worley organized the Williamsburg Saxophone Quartet and was the group's soprano saxophonist.

He graduated from Oberlin Conservatory where he studied clarinet with George Wain, and received his Masters from the Columbia Teachers College. He studied composition with Sir Lennox Berkeley at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England and conducting with Pierre Monteux in Maine.