Hillsdale College Director of Orchestras and Choirs Named National President of the College Orchestra Directors Association
HILLSDALE, Mich. — James Holleman, professor of music and director of orchestras and choirs at Hillsdale College, was selected to serve as the national president of the College Orchestra Directors Association. As president, Holleman will be responsible for leading the organization’s various initiatives and summer leadership seminar along with organizing the 2024 National Conference in February, set to be held at the Belmont University School of Music in Nashville.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as president of the College Orchestra Directors Association,” said Holleman. “It is a terrific organization of directors who are experienced and supportive of each other and each other’s programs.” Holleman served as vice president of the College Orchestra Directors Association for two years, then succeeded to the office of president-elect in 2022 and national president in 2023. He took office in January at the 2023 National College Orchestra Directors Association Conference, which was held on the campus of Jacksonville University. “The national presidents that came before me set a high bar, and I look forward to continuing to grow our organization and move us forward,” said Holleman.
The College Orchestra Directors Association’s mission is to support and provide resources for the advancement of university and college orchestra directors. The association partners with over 340 institutions in their efforts to share the beauty of orchestral music and establish a network of colleagues for orchestra directors. In addition to his role as president of the College Orchestra Directors Association, Holleman is a member of the American Choral Director Association, the National Collegiate Organization, and an honorary member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association.
Holleman undertook the role of music director of orchestras and choirs for the John E.N. & Dede Howard Department of Music at Hillsdale College in 1997. He received the Emily Daugherty Award for Teaching Excellence from Hillsdale College the following year. Holleman served as the music department chair for 25 years. Under his leadership, the Hillsdale College Music Department has flourished, receiving national acclaim.
For photos of Holleman, click here. To learn more about the Hillsdale College Music Department, click here. For photos from previous orchestral and choir performances, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.