James, Philip

Philip James, (1890-1975), American composer of choral and orchestral music, was born on May 17, 1890 in Jersey City, N.J., to a Welsh father and German mother. At an early age, he began piano, violin, and theory lessons, and served as choirboy in several New Jersey churches. He was deeply involved in the liturgy and music of the Episcopal Church and composed his first hymn at the age of ten. From 1904 to 1909 he studied organ with J. Warren Andrews and in 1907 began advanced harmony and counterpoint lessons with Homer Norris. After studying in Europe, he held positions as organist and choirmaster in many well-known New York City churches.

In World War I he served in the Army and was bandmaster at the American Expeditionary Forces Ban. Following the war he completed his music education and co-founded the New Jersey Orchestra, serving as its first conductor. He also became an instructor in 1923 in the newly formed music department at New York University. He was affiliated with New York University for 32 years, first as full professor, then from 1934 to 1955 as chairman of the department, and professor emeritus from 1955 to 1975.

...