Big Time Jazz Orchestra

James Stellmaker received his BMME (Cum Laude) from the MacPhail College of Music (Minneapolis), his MMME equivalent degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and did graduate work at the University of MN-Duluth and the Eastman School of Music.  While attending college Jim played in many jazz groups, besides directing his own band, and had the distinction of playing with the late jazz notables Don Ellis and Bud Brisbois.  His trombone studies included work with the great Emory Remington of the Eastman School of Music, Eugene Bird of the Minneapolis College of Music and Steve Zellmer, principal trombonist of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Mr. Stellmaker is presently teaching privately, adjudicating at District, Region, State and College Band and Jazz Festivals plus continuing to play in various community bands, jazz ensembles and brass ensembles. On occasions he will substitute with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) and the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra.  He was principal trombonist and personnel manager with the DSSO for 18 years and a member of the Ice Capades Orchestra for 23 years including accompanying Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Dinah Shore, Doc Severinsen, Tom Jones, Sonny and Cher, Gisselle McKenzie, Dave Brubeck and others.  Jim also either played in or conducted bands in such musicals as Music Man, My Fair Lady, George M. Cohen, On A Clear Day, South Pacific and Anything Goes.

In his 23 years at Central High School, the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble received superior ratings from every judge at all District, Regional and State music contests in addition to festivals held in St. Louis, Orlando and Chicago.  The Jazz Ensemble received “Outstanding Band” awards at jazz festivals held in St. Louis, Orlando, Chicago, Bemidji, Duluth, Minneapolis and Eau Claire.  The Jazz Ensemble had the distinction of receiving the top honor in the class A Division of the Eau Claire Jazz Festival the last five years it entered.

The Central High School Bands have performed at the MN Music Educators Convention (MMEA) Convention, the national American School Band Directors’ Association (ASBDA) Convention, the World Curling Championship opening and closing ceremonies that were televised around the world via Canadian television in addition to numerous events of distinction.  The band played premiere performances of compositions by Jim Curnow and Les Hooper and performed with guest artists Doc Severinsen, Clark Terry, Ed Shaughnessy, Bill Tole, Thom Mason, Steve Houghton and Bob Kase.  The Jazz Ensemble was also selected as one of eight bands in the United States to be placed on the National Association of Jazz Educators (NAJE) Project IV recording.

Mr. Stellmaker received the NAJE Educator of the Year award for Minnesota in 1987, was inducted into the Minnesota Music Educators Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the distinguished National Edwin Franko Goldman Award presented by ASBDA in 2007.  He is presently the treasurer for the MN Chapter of ASBDA and has served as chair for the National Organizing Committee and the Building the Organization Committee for the national ASBDA.  In 2002, Mr. Stellmaker was a co-chair for the national ASBDA convention held in Duluth, MN.