Bajakian ’77 and His Musical Journey

Curiosity was piqued at All School Meeting on Monday, January 9 when word spread through Ward Hall that a video game guru who had worked on properties such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones was about to head to the podium. That guru was Fenn’s 2002 Distinguished Alumnus Clint Bajakian ’77. 

Clint’s enthusiasm for his profession in music, sound design, and video games (with credits on over 200 titles since 1991) was palpable as he stood before the sea of middle school faces that morning, then later joined music and band classes during his daylong visit.

According to Clint, his love for music began in part during his Fenn days, thanks to David Huston, longtime Fenn music and band director who introduced the boys to a range of instruments. Clint fondly recalled “winding up with the baritone horn,” on which he partnered with then best friend and now popular actor Steve Carell. The twosome even serenaded President Gerald Ford with their bandmates when his helicopter landed on a Fenn sports field in 1975 during a visit to Concord. 

For many years since, Clint has excelled at a career that has challenged him to make great music and integrate it seamlessly into video games to provide users with a realistic, powerful, and emotional experience. And he clearly has hit this mark with regularity if his 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Game Audio Network Guild, Distinguished Alumni Award from the New England Conservatory of Music, and other impressive accolades are any indication. Thank you, Clint, for sharing your passion and talents!