I’m a dedicated music educator and performer with decades of experience leading school and church ensembles, coordinating large-scale productions, and nurturing student development. My work spans from directing choirs and bands to arranging and composing for jazz ensembles, with a passion for mentoring young musicians and building vibrant arts programs.

James A. Van Deusen

I’m a dedicated music educator and performer with decades of experience leading school and church ensembles, coordinating large-scale productions, and nurturing student development. My work spans from directing choirs and bands to arranging and composing for jazz ensembles, with a passion for mentoring young musicians and building vibrant arts programs.

Available to hire

I’m a dedicated music educator and performer with decades of experience leading school and church ensembles, coordinating large-scale productions, and nurturing student development. My work spans from directing choirs and bands to arranging and composing for jazz ensembles, with a passion for mentoring young musicians and building vibrant arts programs.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Director of Music Ministry at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Big Bend
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2024
Directed Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Cantors, and handbell choir; Played piano for liturgies, school liturgies, funerals, and weddings.
Director of Choral Music at Whitefish Bay Middle School
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
In charge of 6-8 choral program of over 270 students.
Music Teacher / Director of Bands; Department Chair (2009-2014) at West Allis Central High School
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2014
Responsible for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, Music Theory, AP Music Theory and Marching Band; Department Chair 2009-2014.
Music Teacher / Conductor; Concert Band & Jazz Ensembles at Pius XI High School
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 2007
Responsible for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles 1 & 2, Pep Band, Beginning & AP Music Theory.
Department Chair / Music Educator at West Allis Central High School
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2014
Responsible for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, Music Theory, A.P. Music Theory and Marching Band.
Music Teacher / Conductor at Pius XI High School
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 2007
Responsible for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles 1 & 2, Pep band, Beginning & A.P. Music Theory.

Education

Postgraduate Coursework at Vandercook College of Music
January 11, 2030 - May 26, 2026
Masters in Music Performance (Trombone) at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009
Summer coursework in jazz education, arranging and conducting at University of North Texas
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1999
BFA in Music Education at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
January 1, 1983 - May 1, 1987
Undergraduate studies at University of Wisconsin-Waukesha
January 1, 1980 - January 1, 1983
9 credits of post graduate work in music (FINALE, Advanced Jazz Composing/Arranging, Conducting) at Vandercook College of Music
January 11, 2030 - June 10, 2026
Masters in Music Performance (Trombone) at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009
Summer course work in jazz education, arranging and conducting at University of North Texas
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1999
BFA in Music Education at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
January 1, 1983 - May 1, 1987
Undergraduate coursework at University of Wisconsin-Waukesha
January 1, 1980 - January 1, 1983

Qualifications

AP Music Theory Teacher
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2006
WSMA Adjudicator
January 1, 1985 - May 26, 2026
Master Adjudicator
January 1, 2001 - May 26, 2026
State Representative for Jazz Education Music List (WI)
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2005
Festival Manager for WSMA Solo/Ensemble Contest
January 1, 1989 - December 31, 2013
Developed/Hosted Annual Jazz Invitational
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 2000
Jazz Educator of the Year – Nominee
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1990
Jazz Educator of the Year – Nominee
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1995
Jazz Educator of the Year – Nominee
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 1999
Jazz Educator of the Year – Nominee
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Jazz Educator of the Year – Nominee
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005
Jazz Educator of the Year – Nominee
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006
AP Music Theory Teacher
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2006
Festival Manager for WSMA Solo/Ensemble contest
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 2013
Developed/Hosted Annual Jazz Invitational
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 2000
WSMA Adjudicator
January 1, 1985 - June 10, 2026
Master Adjudicator (WSMA)
January 1, 2001 - June 10, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other