James A. Beckel Jr.
Professional Summary
Skilled music composer with over 50 years of experience in creating musical pieces, primarily for orchestra, but also for bands and chamber music ensembles. Expert in Finale notation software. As a professional trombonist in the Indianapolis Symphony for 49 years, I used that position to learn from the great masters by studying the scores of the music we performed. Connections with several conductors has allowed me to market my music to a degree. Of particular interest has been my narrated patriotic music. Teacher of trombone, euphonium, and trombone choir. Several concertos published by Hal Leonard.
Skills
Able to compose music, play piano and trombone, proficient in Finale composition software, which includes a limited sound library for creating synthesized renditions of my compositions. Good attention to detail, with special emphasis on creating "playable" music by consulting with colleagues. Can conduct ensembles in professional and educational settings. Good verbal communication skills. Teacher at university level.
Work Experience
Orchestral Performer September 1969 - July 2018
Played Principal Trombone with the Indianapolis Symphony
Free Lance Musician September 1966 - Present
Played in bands with Johnny Mathis, Henry Mancini, the Jim Edison Big Band, and many others Played on recording sessions for jingles, TV shows, and publishers Played church gigs, musicals, solos and recitals
Professor of Trombone and Euphonium September 1971 - Present
University of Indianapolis September 1974 - 2007 DePauw University September 1971 - Present
Composer 1964 - Present
Instrumental music (see listing)
Education
Bachelor of Music Performance, Indiana University 1972
Visit our website at www.jimbeckelmusic.com James A. Beckel Jr.
Honors
Individual Indiana Arts Grant for composition 2006 Indiana Arts Fellowship for composition 2002 National Endowment for the Arts Grant for composition 2000 Indiana Arts Fellowship for composition 1994 First recipient of prestigious ISO "Patch" award 1991
Other Interests
I am interested in film, historical documentaries, and financial and political news. I enjoy spending time with my wife, children and 4 grandchildren.
Partial Catalogue of Works By James A. Beckel Jr. in Chronological Order
“Three Sketches for Orchestra” A three movement work for Orchestra featuring jazz Trombone soloist
“Night Visions” A four movement programmatic work for Orchestra.
“The American Dream” A patriotic overture written for Orchestra. This work is also available for Band through Hal Leonard Music.
“Waltz of the Animals” A Children’s work for Orchestra and Narrator.
“Celebrations” A jazz pops overture for Orchestra.
“A Christmas Fanfare” A Christmas overture for Orchestra. Also available for Brass Choir.
“The Glass Bead Game” A three movement concerto for Horn and Orchestra. Also available for Band, Piano reduction, and Chamber Ensemble. The Piano reduction is published by Hal Leonard Music.
“A Gospel Christmas Medley” A medley of Gospel songs arranged for Orchestra.
“Freedoms Hope” A work for Brass Quintet and optional Percussion.
“Musica Mobilis” A work for Brass Choir. (Also available for Orchestra.)
“Inaugural Fanfare” A regal festive work for Band.
“Amazing Grace” An arrangement of this hymn favorite for Orchestra.
“Make a Joyful Noise A lighthearted symphonic overture for Chamber Orchestra. This work is also available for Band.
“Liberty for All” A Patriotic work for Symphony Orchestra & Narrator. This work is also available for Band and Narrator.
“Concerto for Tuba and A three movement work for 3 Percussion and Tuba solo. Percussion”
Visit our website at www.jimbeckelmusic.com James A. Beckel Jr.
“Overture for a New Age” An upbeat pops overture for Symphony Orchestra.
“Primitive Modern” Solo work for French horn and recorded synthetic sounds with optional percussion.
“Lament for Two Trombones Recital work for Trombone duet and Piano. and Piano”
“Fantasy after Schubert” A classical orchestral piece using themes from Schubert’s 9th Symphony and his “Wanderer Fantasy”
“Gardens of Stone” A patriotic work for band and narrator. This work is also available for symphony orchestra and narrator.
“Music for Winds, Percussion, A three movement work for chamber winds, percussion, and piano. and Piano”
“Toccata for Orchestra” A nine to ten minute classical show piece for orchestra.
“Musical Masque (for the A chamber work for string quartet, percussion, and trombone. Can Seasons” be played between stanza readings of James Whitcomb Riley’s delightful poem, “Masque of the Seasons”.
“Symphony for Band” An 18-minute work in three movements for Wind Ensemble.
“Fanfare of Honor” Overture for mid-level band.
“In the Mind’s Eye: Images for A three movement Konzertstuck for horns and orchestra. Also Horns and Orchestra” available with band.
“Dialogues” A three-movement chamber work for Clarinet, Violin, Piano, Bass, and Percussion.
“Freedom Tower” A patriotic work honoring the enduring American spirit.
"Concerto for Trombone" A three-movement concerto written for solo trombone and piano, or band, or orchestra.
"Concerto for Brass and A three-movement work for orchestra featuring the brass section of Orchestra" the orchestra.
"Music for Brass and A three-movement work for brass choir and percussion. Percussion"
"From the Earth to the Moon A narrated work with optional video to commemorate the 50th and Beyond" anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
"Clouds of the Cosmos" A work in 4 movements for 12 trombones and optional video.
Visit our website at www.jimbeckelmusic.com