James F. Slutz’s career as an educator has taken him from Missouri to Florida to Indiana in capacities as choir director, conductor, lecturer, band director, high school principal, and director of music at the university level.
In 1969 he left his position as Director of Educational Activities for Streep Music at the invitation of Florida Southern College. FSC requested him, as their new Director of Bands and Music Education and department chair, to restructure their band department. He went on there to establish the third music business program in the U.S.
In 2005 he was invited to develop and teach the music business curriculum at the main campus of Shenyang Conservatory of Music in Shenyang, China. With his wife Shirley, Jim spent six months teaching eager Chinese students about the intricacies of a music business education.
He is the founder of NAMBI [NAMM Affiliated Music Business Institutions] and the Orlando Junior College Community Band.
Mr. Slutz’s professional affiliations include: Phi Beta Mu [International Editor]; Legion of Honour Committee for John Philip Sousa Foundation [Chair]; Streep Music [Director of Educational Services].
His academic appointments include: Director of Music [Indiana State University]; Director of Bands and department chair [Orlando Junior College, FL; Florida Southern College, FL].
Jim has served on the boards of: John Philip Sousa Foundation; International Music Camp at Peace Gardens; Lakeland Symphony; Terre Haute Symphony; Lakeland Concert Association; the Orlando Community Concert Association.
His most recent honour was his election to the membership in Pi Kappa Lambda, National Music Honor Society.
