James Knox

Mr. Knox is an American Composer and current Professor of Music at Central Oregon Community College where he directs two major ensembles, Cascade Chorale and Jazz Central, teaches a variety of music history including Jazz and Rock n' Roll, private voice studies and conducting classes. 
 
In 2008, Mr. Knox and his wife, Heather, started a community-based K-5 grade choir called The Bend Children's Choir bringing valuable music learning skills through sight reading sessions, vocal mentoring and performances. 
 
Through his studies he has had the privilege of working with distinguished conductors and composers from around the world, (Robert Sund, Frieder Bernius, Veljo Tormis, Fred Stoltzfus, Joseph Flummerfelt, Morna Edmundson, Yaccov Bergman, Maria Guinand, Hirvo Surva, Alice Parker, Charles Bruffy, Simon Carrington, Karen Kennedy, and Hilary Appelstadt.) In 2014, he was the Visiting Professor of Music at the University of London for the abroad exchange program at COCC. Winter and spring of 2018, he was granted a sabbatical leave and worked with Hirvo Surva, Main Conductor for the Virumaa Boys' Choir, The Estonian Men's Choral, Society Boys' Choir, and The Revalia Male Choir. He was appointed Guest Maestro at The Conservatory "Arrigo Pedrollo" of Vicenza, Italy and Guest Choral Clinician in the Veneto Region, Vocal Coach, Solfeggio/ Music Educator, at La "Antonio Miari" Scuola Comunale di Musica of Belluno, Italy and singer participant for the premiere choral ensemble, Nova Cantica, under the direction of Maestro Luciano Borin. 
 
Mr. Knox holds a Bachelors of Science in Music/Minor in History and a Masters of Music in Conducting, Performance, and Education.
 
He shares that his "goal is to provide an environment where CCS students feel inspired to ignite their creative side and expose them to the many facets of the fine arts. Students will be learning and demonstrating the fundamentals in singing through music literacy, vocal technique, music vocabulary, aural skills, sight-reading/ sight-singing. Performances are also a big part of choir, and it gives them an opportunity to share what they have learned throughout the year with their family, school and the community. My hope is to provide each student with the best possible musical experience while fostering God’s love through singing."