Music Director 2013-2017
Dr. James Mick was appointed Music Director of the Ithaca Community Orchestra in July 2013. He is an assistant professor of music education at Ithaca College, where he teaches courses in string pedagogy and rehearsal techniques, helps manage student teachers, supervises underclassman music education majors, and conducts the Ithaca College Sinfonietta, an all-campus full orchestra consisting primarily of non-music majors.
An active lecturer, clinician, conductor, and performer, James has recently presented at the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, and the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester, New York; adjudicated middle school and high school orchestras and bands in Florida, Massachusetts, and New York; and published articles in the String Research Journal and Florida Music Director. He is currently secretary of the New York State chapter of American String Teachers Association (NYASTA).
Originally a native of Kansas, James has taught elementary and middle school orchestra in Texas, and high school orchestra and jazz in New York. He has been assistant conductor of the Big Bend Community Orchestra and a double bass section player with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. James holds degrees in Music Education from Florida State University (Ph.D.), Ithaca College (M.M.), and Texas Christian University (B.M.E.). His research interests include string instrument vibrato, music preferences, and performance perceptions. In addition to his academic pursuits, he enjoys spending time outdoors. He is an avid bicyclist, enjoys camping, and loves to travel.