CLARINETIST · COMPOSER · ARTS LEADER
CLARINETIST · COMPOSER · ARTS LEADER
James Shields
Howdy!
My name is James, and I’m a clarinetist & composer that runs a group in Portland, Oregon called ChatterPDX. Chatter is a weekly program that includes live music and poetry, coffee and snacks, and a few minutes of communal silence. While the music and poetry is always top notch, it’s really the people who come week after week that makes Chatter such a special place to be. My love for people is what drives all of my creative work. If you’re in Portland, come check out one of our programs–I’m almost always there, and it’s the best way to get to know me and learn what I’m about.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy perusing my sheet music, listening to some recordings of my playing, or learning more about the incredible people I’ve gotten to work with over the years. I love connecting with new folks, so drop me a line! Thanks for stopping by.
– James
Howdy!
My name is James, and I’m a clarinetist & composer that runs a group in Portland, Oregon called ChatterPDX. Chatter is a weekly program that includes live music and poetry, coffee and snacks, and a few minutes of communal silence. While the music and poetry is always top notch, it’s really the people who come week after week that makes Chatter such a special place to be. My love for people is what drives all of my creative work. If you’re in Portland, come check out one of our programs–I’m almost always there, and it’s the best way to get to know me and learn what I’m about.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy perusing my sheet music, listening to some recordings of my playing, or learning more about the incredible people I’ve gotten to work with over the years. I love connecting with new folks, so drop me a line! Thanks for stopping by.
– James
Howdy!
My name is James, and I’m a clarinetist & composer that runs a group in Portland, Oregon called ChatterPDX. Chatter is a weekly program that includes live music and poetry, coffee and snacks, and a few minutes of communal silence. While the music and poetry is always top notch, it’s really the people who come week after week that makes Chatter such a special place to be. My love for people is what drives all of my creative work. If you’re in Portland, come check out one of our programs–I’m almost always there, and it’s the best way to get to know me and learn what I’m about.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy perusing my sheet music, listening to some recordings of my playing, or learning more about the incredible people I’ve gotten to work with over the years. I love connecting with new folks, so drop me a line! Thanks for stopping by.
– James
Howdy!
My name is James, and I’m a clarinetist & composer that runs a group in Portland, Oregon called ChatterPDX. Chatter is a weekly program that includes live music and poetry, coffee and snacks, and a few minutes of communal silence. While the music and poetry is always top notch, it’s really the people who come week after week that makes Chatter such a special place to be. My love for people is what drives all of my creative work. If you’re in Portland, come check out one of our programs–I’m almost always there, and it’s the best way to get to know me and learn what I’m about.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy perusing my sheet music, listening to some recordings of my playing, or learning more about the incredible people I’ve gotten to work with over the years. I love connecting with new folks, so drop me a line! Thanks for stopping by.
– James
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.
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–its 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.
Susan Kirschner
Chatter PDX Audience Member
I'm grateful for the many ways Chatter–its 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.
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.
Elinor Gollay
Chatter PDX Audience Member
Chatter has become my Sunday ritual, my sanctuary, my community.
Colleen Cook
Clarinetist, Canadian Opera Company
James is a great colleague and leader and amazing to play and work with. He understands what’s happening harmonically and hears everything that is happening around him. James’ approach to playing in a section encourages everyone and fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment.”
Colleen Cook
Clarinetist, Canadian Opera Company
James is a great colleague and leader and amazing to play and work with. He understands what’s happening harmonically and hears everything that is happening around him. James’ approach to playing in a section encourages everyone and fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment.”
Allie Norris
Violist, Santa Fe Program Manager for Chatter ABQ
James is a fantastic clarinetist and an even better artistic leader. His creative experimentation, sense of humor, and willingness to be vulnerable instantly transforms both the tenor of a concert and the sonic abilities of an ensemble.
Allie Norris
Violist, Santa Fe Program Manager for Chatter ABQ
James is a fantastic clarinetist and an even better artistic leader. His creative experimentation, sense of humor, and willingness to be vulnerable instantly transforms both the tenor of a concert and the sonic abilities of an ensemble.
Allie Norris
Violist, Santa Fe Program Manager for Chatter ABQ
James is a fantastic clarinetist and an even better artistic leader. His creative experimentation, sense of humor, and willingness to be vulnerable instantly transforms both the tenor of a concert and the sonic abilities of an ensemble.
Luke Gullickson
Pianist-Composer
James is a collaborator of genius. In his playing, his leading, his curating, his composing, he is a master of getting folks together to make some music. James is a divinely gifted collaborator.
Luke Gullickson
Pianist-Composer
James is a collaborator of genius. In his playing, his leading, his curating, his composing, he is a master of getting folks together to make some music. James is a divinely gifted collaborator.
Luke Gullickson
Pianist-Composer
James is a collaborator of genius. In his playing, his leading, his curating, his composing, he is a master of getting folks together to make some music. James is a divinely gifted collaborator.
Morrie Backun
President, Backun Musical Services
I have known James Shields since he was a student at Juilliard. It has been remarkable to watch him develop into a truly world class player.
Morrie Backun
President, Backun Musical Services
I have known James Shields since he was a student at Juilliard. It has been remarkable to watch him develop into a truly world class player.
Morrie Backun
President, Backun Musical Services
I have known James Shields since he was a student at Juilliard. It has been remarkable to watch him develop into a truly world class player.
What I do
Music and poetry series – every Sunday
Chatter PDX
