2004 Conference Presenter

James Jordan
Keynote Speaker

James M. Jordan�Keynote Speaker

Associate professor of conducting; conductor of the Westminster Chapel Choir; artistic director of Westminster Vocal Institute. Faculty, Westminster Choir College (1991- ).

One of America's most respected choral conductors and educators, James Jordan is conductor of the Westminster Chapel Choir and associate professor of conducting at Westminster. An internationally recognized pedagogue, his theories of rhythm pedagogy and movement are now widely applied in music education for the teaching of rhythm to children and adults. His five textbooks and several videos on the subjects of Group Vocal Technique, ensemble diction and conducting, and philosophy are used for the education of teachers and conductors around the world. Dr. Jordan is also recognized as the pioneer in the use of the case study in music as a valid research model. His unique background in conducting, the psychology of music, dance education and psychology allow him to make poignant observations into the music-making process from the vantage point of a conductor.

Dr. Jordan is editor of "The James Jordan Choral Series" published by Hinshaw Music. This series contains distinctive choral literature for choirs at all levels. He is also executive editor of the EVOKING SOUND Choral Series published by GIA Music. His collaborations with the late Frauke Haasemann resulted in landmark texts and videos on the subject of Group Vocal Technique. His book, The Musician's Soul (GIA, 1999), has garnered critical acclaim from all parts of the music world. It has been called "inspirational" and "of great value to the professional community and should be required reading for all conductors and students of conducting" (Choral Journal). He was recently honored by renowned American composer Morten Lauridsen, who, in his new edition of Mid-Winter Songs, dedicated Movement III to him.

Dr. Jordan wrote the forward for an innovative new book: The Structures and Mechanisms of Breathing (GIA) written by Barbara Conable. His newest new book, video, and two choral rehearsal octavos co-authored with Matthew Mehaffey of The George Washington University, Choral Ensemble Intonation, were released by GIA Music. These materials are innovative because they detail for the first time a method for the teaching of aural literacy to a choir via the rehearsal. A new video, Evoking Sound: Body Mapping and Conducting Technique, with Heather Buchanan was released in March 2002.

Dr. Jordan's latest book, The Musician's Spirit (GIA, 2002) was an artistic collaboration between himself and three visual artists and has already garnered critical acclaim for its groundbreaking direction and ideas proposed for musicians.

Prior to his appointment to the distinguished Westminster faculty in 1991, Dr. Jordan served as chair for music education at the Hartt School of Music where he established the Connecticut Center for Education in early Childhood Movement and Music, and designed the innovative BFA program in Dance between the Hartt School and The Hartford Ballet. He has also held positions at the School of the Hartford Ballet and The Pennsylvania State University.

For the year 2000-2001, Dr. Jordan has been named Distinguished Choral Scholar at The University of Alberta. Previous recipients of the award have been Eric Ericson and Frederich Bernius. Dr. Jordan was initiated this year into Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia as an honorary member of the Epsilon Iota Chapter of that fraternity at Florida State University. Previous honorary inductees of that chapter include Carlisle Floyd and Pablo Casals.

Dr. Jordan's seminars on Group Vocal Technique and Conducting are attended by hundreds of choral musicians each year. Last year, over 20,000 musicians heard keynote addresses across the nation from Dr. Jordan. This year he will present over forty workshops, master classes, and keynote addresses. Dr. Jordan's website, www.evokingsound.com, details his activities and publications.

Education

Bachelor of Music: Susuquehanna University
Master of Music (Choral Conducting): Temple University
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology of Music): Temple University
Additional Professional Study

Laban Institute of Movement Studies - New York
Bucknell University (Psychology)
Laudinella Kulturzentrum: Conducting Studio Wilhelm Ehmann
Conducting and Choral Music Studies

Elaine Brown
Wilhelm Ehmann
Frauke Haasemann
Gail B. Poch
Janet Yamron
Howard Swan
Volker Hempfling
Sabine Horstmann
Welfard Lauber
Psychology of Music

Edwin E. Gordon (Ph.D. Dissertation Advisor)