About/Who?
Dr. James Shrader retired on July 1, 2016 as a tenured Professor of Music and former Department Head at Valdosta State University in Southern Georgia. He was also a Faculty Associate in the VSU Honors College where he served as a Program Coordinator. He has combined careers as an opera singer, conductor and stage director; a church musician; an international choral conductor; a published composer; an author of fiction and non-fiction books; and a university administrator.
He holds the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Bradley University, the Master of Music in Opera Direction degree from The Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Arts (Conducting) degree from Texas Tech University.
His mentor teachers have been Edwin Blanchard, Michael Trimble, Anthony Addison, Robert Page, Kenneth Davis, and Gil Hellwig.
In addition to his service at Valdosta State University, he held significant positions at The First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, Texas Tech University, Oklahoma State University, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
His career encompasses 17 years as a full-time church musician and 26 years as a university professor/administrator.
He is a published author with his book, The Choruses in Mozart’s Opere Serie (Edwin Mellon Press). His choral compositions are published by Colla Voce, Inc. and SMP Press. His music may be heard on the CD Dashing the CD Evolutionary Spirits (Donald Nally and The Crossing), and the CD Fleeting Realms, all released on the Navona label (PARMA Recordings). He conducted and recorded his chamber opera, Frogs Always Get You in the End in 2017. His latest work, Angels Sang With Mirth and Glee is published by Colla Voce and has been recorded by The Crossing Choir conducted by Donald Nally. He also publishes with SMP Press (Sheet Music Plus).
In retirement, Shrader continues to compose and write while beginning a new career as a licensed realtor.
“There is no justification for mediocrity!” – James Shrader
“Time is the currency of the new millennium.” – James Shrader
Hello,
Curious if you’d be open to posting an article with advice for teens who want to start their own businesses. Doing so is a great way for them to learn money management, develop problem-solving skills, express their creativity, and so much more! And with a little adult supervision, it’s a great and fulfilling use of their time.
What do you think? Are you open to posting an article from me on this topic?
All the best,
Jason Kenner
jasonkenner@onparparent.com
Hi Jim! We sat next to each other in the Bradley Chorlae for years.
Dear Jim,
Please help me with this. I’m researching/ writing a book about Berwick’s West Side Park and the bands who played there. Please give me a nice quote about what it was like to play with the El Caminos. What was it like to be part of one of our first rock combos in the area? The transition from basic rock to the English Invasion? Thank you in advance for your time and congrats on your many accomplishments.
Hi Twin! It’s been such a long time! Not sure I’m available for the reunion festivities, but I’ll email you with the info! Please share this site so that folks can experience my music! Cheers! -Jim
Hey Jim now you can attend your 50th Class Reunion on Aug. 5 & 6 at the Berwick Country Club. We need your home address and email to send info to the correct address since we only have your Cleveland address. The Committee wants you to attend because you are so famous. And, I want to talk to you and tell you I lived in Hudson, OH from 1995 to 2015 and didn’t know you were less than 25 miles away until I moved back to the Berwick area and looked you up on google. Your high school look alike friend, Craig Shepperly. Not in your 1966 yearbook because I moved to Bristol, CT in Aug. 1965 and graduated there. Call me @330-283-2974. email cshepperly@aol.com