Rate My Professor James Worman

James Worman, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Music Education and Coordinator of Winds and Percussion at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. In these roles, he oversees the winds and percussion area within the Music Department, managing recruitment of players and adjunct studio teachers, and directs the 65-member Trinity University Symphonic Wind Ensemble. His subject areas include Secondary Instrumental Music Education and Wind Ensemble. Worman teaches courses such as the History of Jazz, where students analyze musical elements in blues and jazz recordings, including works by artists like John Coltrane. He has been a faculty member at Trinity since 1997, initially handling an extensive course load that included directing jazz and wind ensembles, providing saxophone lessons, and teaching conducting and music education. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to the expansion of the Music Department, which saw increased student participation and additional faculty hires. Prior to his appointment at Trinity University, Worman served as graduate teaching associate and assistant conductor of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as indicated by university archives.

Worman's ensembles perform regularly on campus and have been featured in university events and news, such as the Harmony Ignited concert with soprano Lydia Beasley Kneer and collaborations in The Healing Power of Music series. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble under his direction has premiered compositions like Symphony No. 1 for Wind Ensemble by Timothy Mahr and presented programs including Percy Grainger's Mock Morris. Additionally, Worman provides music direction for Trinity Theatre productions, including Cabaret, Company, Pippin, and The Threepenny Opera, earning recognition such as 14 Globe Awards for one show. His conducting style emphasizes precise balance, musical context, style, and human expression, with rehearsals noted for enthusiasm and detailed instructions like adjusting specific sections by percentages. Through assigned readings, he enhances performers' understanding of pieces. Worman's dedication fosters a vibrant music program at Trinity University.