Dr. James McAllister

Dr. James McAllister is the chair of the Department of Music and director of bands at Kansas Wesleyan University, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in music education, conducting and music history. 

Prior to joining the faculty at Kansas Wesleyan, Dr. McAllister taught at Lincoln Memorial University, Garden City Community College, and instrumental music in both public and private schools in Maryland and Delaware. 

He has presented his research on student learning in commissioning projects and integration of orff-style techniques into large ensemble rehearsals at several NAFME conferences, most recently at the 2018 National Music Research and Teacher Education Conference in Atlanta, Ga.   

Dr. McAllister’s compositions have been performed at national conferences, including the 2018 International Horn Society’s Summer Symposium and the 2010 International Double Reed Society’s annual conference. Recently, he was commissioned to compose two works, a chamber orchestra piece for the National Composers Orchestra entitled Tuesday, 3:17 am and a piece for the combined 6th grade band, orchestra and choir of the Garnet Valley (Pa.) Music Educators group entitled Telephunk! 

Dr. McAllister holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education Degree from the University of Kansas, a Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting Degree from the University of Delaware, and a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Shenandoah University.