By Stef Haarsager
“For me, teaching music isn’t a job. It’s a lifestyle,” says James Popejoy, associate professor of music and director of bands. “Teaching at UND allows me to live and learn through music everyday, as well as give back to the profession through guest conducting opportunities, workshop presentations, and performances.”
Selected as the 2006 North Dakota Music Educators Association’s “Educator of the Year,” Popejoy has several articles published in the “Teaching Music through Performance in Band” series, and served as a production assistant and performer on the recordings accompanying the resource books. “My philosophy is to teach people through music, and not the other way around,” explains Popejoy. “Music intrinsically teaches lifelong lessons, and my hope is to shed some light upon the truths surrounding music as I know them.”
An Independence, Missouri native, Popejoy was selected as the outstanding graduate student in conducting from among the more than 1,600 music majors at the University of North Texas, where he completed his doctorate in conducting with a minor in jazz studies under his mentor, Eugene Corporon. “What surprised me the most about moving to Grand Forks was how much the community supports and believes in the arts,” said Popejoy. “This community really understands the educational values inherent in the fine and performing arts, and it’s great to know we have their support.”
Under Popejoy’s direction, the University of North Dakota Wind Ensemble has been selected to present performances at the 2001 and 2005 North Dakota Music Educators Association Conferences; the 2002 North Dakota Arts and Humanities Summit; the 2006 College Band Directors National Association North Central Division Conference; and has been selected to perform once again at the 2008 NDMEA Conference. “It is a real privilege to work with such an elite ensemble on a regular basis,” said Popejoy. “The students are stellar, and they’ve worked hard to attain the much deserved recognition these performance invitations and awards bring to both them and the university.”
Popejoy remains active as a percussionist, playing vibraphone with PLUCKSTRUCK, a guitar and vibraphone duo with UND music lecturer Jeff Anvinson. The two can often be found performing on campus, as well as at local venues and events such as Tabula, Suite 49, Grand Forks Farmer’s Market, and the Grand Cities Art Fest; though Popejoy is quick to point out that first and foremost, his passion is teaching. “I enjoy my classes, my colleagues, and my students, and continue to be proud and excited to be a part of the learning environment at UND.”
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