James Moore arranger

Recipient of the prestigious Percussive Arts Society’s (PAS) LifeTime Achievement Award in Education, Dr. James L. Moore was born on May 2, 1934, and died on June 12, 2014. Raised in Jackson, Michigan, he began his musical studies in the Jackson Public School Music Program, and it was at the University of Michigan where he obtained his Bachelor (1956), and Master (1957) Degrees in Music Education. In 1970, he attended The Ohio State University (OSU) earning the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory. Furthermore, he was awarded honorary memberships to Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma; and was the recipient of the OSU Marching Band’s “Most Inspirational Band Person Award.”

From 1957 – 1960, Dr. Moore was an instructor of percussion at the Armed Forces School of Music in Washington, D.C; and from 1960 – 1964 he was a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra while also teaching percussion at Butler University. In 1964 he returned to OSU, this time as a faculty member, having been appointed the head of its percussion studies program, and held that position until 1992; and from 1981 – 2004 he was the percussion instructor for the OSU Marching Band. Dr. Moore served as Principal Percussionist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra; and was a founding member of The Brass Band of Columbus, which won first place in the championship division of the North American Brass Association Competition ten times. In addition, he taught at the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan, the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden, North Dakota/Manitoba, and the OSU Marimba-Vibe Camp that he founded and directed for 13 years.

Dr. Moore founded Percussive Notes Magazine, the official publication of PAS, and served as its editor from 1962 -1980. In 1976, he founded Per-Mus Publications, LLC. which continues to specialize in publishing music for percussion, and is now owned by his colleague and former student, Dr. Cary Dachtyl. His compositions and arrangements have been published by Per-Mus Publications, Kendor Music, and Ludwig Music Publishing Company. He also served as a consultant and clinician for the Musser Division of Ludwig Industries, and for the Hal Leonard Publishing Company. When he was away from his home in Ohio, he resided in Estero, Florida, where he continued to be an active performer and clinician, frequently appearing with the Naples Concert Band, the Naples Opera Orchestra, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.