CLARINETIST · COMPOSER · ARTS LEADER
James Shields


Howdy!
I run a group in Portland called “Chatter” that plays a short concert every week - it has live music, poetry by local writers, free food & coffee, it’s awesome. There are some really great people there every week, and the musicians are top notch. Most of them are from around Portland, but we do get some great guests. You should come check out one of our concerts some time - I’m always there, so come say “hello” ! It’s the best way to get to know me and learn what I’m about.
Otherwise, I hope you enjoy perusing my sheet music or listening through some recent recordings of my playing - I love connecting with new people, so send me a note anytime!
– James Shields
Howdy!
I run a group in Portland called “Chatter” that plays a short concert every week - it has live music, poetry by local writers, free food & coffee, it’s awesome. There are some really great people there every week, and the musicians are top notch. Most of them are from around Portland, but we do get some great guests. You should come check out one of our concerts some time - I’m always there, so come say “hello” ! It’s the best way to get to know me and learn what I’m about.
Otherwise, I hope you enjoy perusing my sheet music or listening through some recent recordings of my playing - I love connecting with new people, so send me a note anytime!
– James Shields


Howdy!
I run a group in Portland called “Chatter” that plays a short concert every week - it has live music, poetry by local writers, free food & coffee, it’s awesome. There are some really great people there every week, and the musicians are top notch. Most of them are from around Portland, but we do get some great guests. You should come check out one of our concerts some time - I’m always there, so come say “hello” ! It’s the best way to get to know me and learn what I’m about.
Otherwise, I hope you enjoy perusing my sheet music or listening through some recent recordings of my playing - I love connecting with new people, so send me a note anytime!
– James Shields
Howdy!
I run a group in Portland called “Chatter” that plays a short concert every week - it has live music, poetry by local writers, free food & coffee, it’s awesome. There are some really great people there every week, and the musicians are top notch. Most of them are from around Portland, but we do get some great guests. You should come check out one of our concerts some time - I’m always there, so come say “hello” ! It’s the best way to get to know me and learn what I’m about.
Otherwise, I hope you enjoy perusing my sheet music or listening through some recent recordings of my playing - I love connecting with new people, so send me a note anytime!
– James Shields
Bringing music and people together
Great art should invite everyone in; every note can strengthen the social fabric of a city.
Great art should invite everyone in; every note can strengthen the social fabric of a city.
Great art should invite everyone in; every note can strengthen the social fabric of a city.

Keith Hamm
Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony
Staggering virtuosity and musicianship - but James’ first priority is community. Connecting artists and audiences and sharing something special. I love getting to share the stage with this phenomenal player.

Keith Hamm
Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony
Staggering virtuosity and musicianship - but James’ first priority is community. Connecting artists and audiences and sharing something special. I love getting to share the stage with this phenomenal player.

Keith Hamm
Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony
Staggering virtuosity and musicianship - but James’ first priority is community. Connecting artists and audiences and sharing something special. I love getting to share the stage with this phenomenal player.

Keith Hamm
Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony
Staggering virtuosity and musicianship - but James’ first priority is community. Connecting artists and audiences and sharing something special. I love getting to share the stage with this phenomenal player.

Anne Eisfeller
Former principal Harp, New Mexico Philharmonic
Working with you was transporting musically, and knowing you is a true pleasure.

Anne Eisfeller
Former principal Harp, New Mexico Philharmonic
Working with you was transporting musically, and knowing you is a true pleasure.

Emil Khudyev
Assistant Principal Clarinet, Seattle Symphony
James' performance of the Copland Concerto at Interlochen back in 2001 was truly inspiring for me. I was only 13 that summer, and hearing him play was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting memory.

Emil Khudyev
Assistant Principal Clarinet, Seattle Symphony
James' performance of the Copland Concerto at Interlochen back in 2001 was truly inspiring for me. I was only 13 that summer, and hearing him play was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting memory.

Laura Metcalf
Founder & Artistic Director GatherNYC
Working with James is invariably a pleasure, no matter the project. He brings professionalism, superior musicianship, and respect and encouragement of his colleagues, and, most importantly, genuine joy to everything, whether it be a piece of standard repertoire or a new work we are discovering for the first time. I always look forward to our collaborations and hope they continue for years to come!

Laura Metcalf
Founder & Artistic Director GatherNYC
Working with James is invariably a pleasure, no matter the project. He brings professionalism, superior musicianship, and respect and encouragement of his colleagues, and, most importantly, genuine joy to everything, whether it be a piece of standard repertoire or a new work we are discovering for the first time. I always look forward to our collaborations and hope they continue for years to come!

Laura Metcalf
Founder & Artistic Director GatherNYC
Working with James is invariably a pleasure, no matter the project. He brings professionalism, superior musicianship, and respect and encouragement of his colleagues, and, most importantly, genuine joy to everything, whether it be a piece of standard repertoire or a new work we are discovering for the first time. I always look forward to our collaborations and hope they continue for years to come!

Laura Metcalf
Founder & Artistic Director GatherNYC
Working with James is invariably a pleasure, no matter the project. He brings professionalism, superior musicianship, and respect and encouragement of his colleagues, and, most importantly, genuine joy to everything, whether it be a piece of standard repertoire or a new work we are discovering for the first time. I always look forward to our collaborations and hope they continue for years to come!

Laura Metcalf
Founder & Artistic Director GatherNYC
Working with James is invariably a pleasure, no matter the project. He brings professionalism, superior musicianship, and respect and encouragement of his colleagues, and, most importantly, genuine joy to everything, whether it be a piece of standard repertoire or a new work we are discovering for the first time. I always look forward to our collaborations and hope they continue for years to come!

Emil Khudyev
Assistant Principal Clarinet, Seattle Symphony
James' performance of the Copland Concerto at Interlochen back in 2001 was truly inspiring for me. I was only 13 that summer, and hearing him play was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting memory.

Emil Khudyev
Assistant Principal Clarinet, Seattle Symphony
James' performance of the Copland Concerto at Interlochen back in 2001 was truly inspiring for me. I was only 13 that summer, and hearing him play was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting memory.

Anne Eisfeller
Former principal Harp, New Mexico Philharmonic
Working with you was transporting musically, and knowing you is a true pleasure.

Anne Eisfeller
Former principal Harp, New Mexico Philharmonic
Working with you was transporting musically, and knowing you is a true pleasure.

Susan Kirschner
Chatter PDX Audience Member
I'm grateful for the many ways CHATTER--it's musicians, poets, and crew--brings us chamber music loving citizens downtown to play our part in our city's slow but steady recovery through art and music. Every week music, poetry, silence, and each other, create a rare moment of sense—meaning--in this world of ours. Thank you!

Susan Kirschner
Chatter PDX Audience Member
I'm grateful for the many ways CHATTER--it's musicians, poets, and crew--brings us chamber music loving citizens downtown to play our part in our city's slow but steady recovery through art and music. Every week music, poetry, silence, and each other, create a rare moment of sense—meaning--in this world of ours. Thank you!

Elinor Gollay
Chatter PDX Audience Member
Chatter has become my Sunday ritual, my sanctuary, my community.

Elinor Gollay
Chatter PDX Audience Member
Chatter has become my Sunday ritual, my sanctuary, my community.
What I do
Music and poetry series – every Sunday
Chatter PDX
































Oct
31
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Oct
26
Cookin' with James and Monica
Oct
24
Danzmayr & Park
Oct
31
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Oct
26
Cookin' with James and Monica
Oct
24
Danzmayr & Park
Oct
31
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Oct
26
Cookin' with James and Monica
Oct
24
Danzmayr & Park
Nov
27
Spohr & Chacon
Nov
20
Beethoven’s 12th Quartet
Nov
17
Beethoven’s 13th Quartet
Nov
13
Coming Together
Nov
10
Rosebud String Quartet
Nov
27
Spohr & Chacon
Nov
20
Beethoven’s 12th Quartet
Nov
17
Beethoven’s 13th Quartet
Nov
13
Coming Together
Nov
10
Rosebud String Quartet
Nov
27
Spohr & Chacon
Nov
20
Beethoven’s 12th Quartet
Nov
17
Beethoven’s 13th Quartet
Nov
13
Coming Together
Nov
10
Rosebud String Quartet

