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

Upcoming Events

Music and poetry series – every Sunday

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