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James Estes Professional Bio

James Estes Music Specialist - Student Activities Coordinator

James Estes joined the Society staff as Student Activities Coordinator in June 2006. In this position, he chairs the Student Activities Committee, helps organize the Bank of America Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Contest, the International Youth Barbershop Chorus Festival, Youth In Harmony festivals and camps throughout the Society, and travels as a teacher and clinician. In addition, he directs the Next Generation Chorus and teaches courses in vocal techniques at Harmony University. A member of the Barbershop Harmony Society since 2000, Estes has sung with the Fox Valleyaires in Appleton, Wis., the Great Northern Union, Hilltop, Minn., and most recently with the 5^th place International Medalist Midwest Vocal Express in Greendale, Wis., where he was assistant director. He also directed the Pride Of The Valley chorus in Appleton, Wis., winning a “Most Improved Chorus” award, two division championships, and a district “Small Chorus” championship. Estes sang in the international collegiate quartet contest seven times. He sang lead with the 2007 International semi-finalist and district champion quartet, Voices Only. He is also a certified judge for the Society in the Singing Category. Estes received his bachelor’s degree in choral music education from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in 2003. He had the privilege of studying conducting with Rick Bjella and Bridget-Michaele Reischl, and voice with Rico Serbo and John Koopman. He has also worked with and learned from Gunther Schuler, Doreen Rao, Jean Ashworth Bartle, Dominique-René de Lerma, and Randy Swiggum. Until his Society staff appointment, Estes had been choral director at Fond du Lac High School, directing two choirs and an extra-curricular vocal jazz ensemble. He also taught courses in music theory and composition, as well as maintained a studio of private voice students. Estes directed the Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale, an auditioned community children’s choir of 40 in grades 5-8. You can reach Estes at jestes@barbershop.org or 800-876-7464, extension 4124.

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