Biography
Dr. James Vilseck (b. 1992) is currently a Nacogdoches, TX-based percussionist originally from Dayton, OH. Having been inspired by learning Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on an Orff Xylophone in an elementary school music class, James began what would be a lifelong commitment to music. What began early as a hobby would soon amplify into a career as he received a Bachelor of Music Education from Morehead State University, a Master of Music from Southern Illinois University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Kentucky.
James is currently serving as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX where is the Percussion Coordinator and Percussion Arranger for the Lumberjack Marching Band, director of the steel drum ensemble, and instructs private lessons and percussion methods class. Previously, as a Teaching Assistant at UK, James taught private percussion lessons, coached chamber ensembles, and conducted the award-winning Percussion Ensemble. Additionally, he worked closely with the Band department and served as the percussion coordinator and arranger for the Wildcat Marching Band for three seasons. James was the director of Blue Steel, a small steel drum ensemble based in Lexington, KY, which performs for private events, and most notably, the UK Choir’s annual “Collage” extravaganza. James also held the position of Adjunct Professor at Morehead State University where he taught private lessons, pedagogy, and percussion methods.
While much of his time is devoted to teaching, James is also an eclectic performer, composer, and researcher. James enjoys his frequent concerts with jazz ensembles, steel drum bands, percussion ensembles, wind ensembles, and contemporary chamber music groups. James travelled to Tianjin and Beijing, China with the Morehead State Symphony Band and Percussion Ensemble for a concert tour in 2012. In 2015, James would travel with a chamber ensemble from Southern Illinois University Carbondale to Dublin, Ireland to collaborate and perform in an original theatre project Malacoda’s Bridge with the Gaiety School of Acting. His research focuses on percussion pedagogy, marching percussion, and health and wellness practices. His dissertation was based upon the percussion music of New Zealand composer John Psathas, specifically centered around his work Cloud Folk. A sought-out clinician at universities, James has presented both virtually and in-person at PASIC as well as State-wide Music Education Association Professional Development Conferences.
One of the primary influences on James’ musical career has remained marching percussion. Serendipity led James to his first drum corps show in 2007 and he was immediately hooked. Spending his high school years in Dayton, OH, he was always near many celebrated Indoor Percussion Ensembles and was able to attend many WGI and DCI championships. James was a marching member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps (Dubuque, IA) and the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (Madison, WI). He also performed with WGI Ensembles including Tates Creek Indoor Ensemble (Lexington, KY) and Matrix (Akron, OH). James continues to work as a designer, arranger, and instructor for competitive ensembles throughout the region. Most recently, he served on staff with both battery and front ensemble sections with various groups, including Tates Creek Indoor Ensemble (Lexington, KY), Cincinnati Tradition (Cincinnati, OH) and Matrix Open (Akron, OH). His music and production design helped lead his alma mater, Fairborn High School, to consistent success and their first ever appearance in WGI World Championships Semifinals.
Currently, James is a member of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) Health and Wellness Committee and a freelance performer. His compositions are published by Tap Space. He was formerly the director of Percussion Ensemble for La Salle High School (Cincinnati, OH) and Ensemble Coordinator for the Fairborn High School Indoor Drumline (Fairborn, OH). In his free time, he loves to travel, spend time with his wife, and play video games while eating great food and experimenting with new recipes.
