James Olsen, Teaching Artist; Music

Composer/arranger/flutist/saxophonist, Jim Olsen has been a professional musician for over 25 years. His original compositions reflect his background in both jazz and classical music, exhibiting the rhythmic impetus of contemporary jazz along with the tonal and structural tendencies of late 20th Century composers.

Olsen was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and he received his B.S. in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He also studied with noted composer John Harmon, whose ground-breaking compositions were a major influence.

He continued his studies at the University of Oregon, and graduated with an M.M. in Composition in 1980. While there he directed both big bands, formed the innovative Experimental Jazz Ensemble and taught jazz arranging.

He has composed, arranged and conducted for jazz artists such as Bobby Shew, Andy Martin, Jeff Hamilton, Dick Oatts, Jim Rotondi, Eric Alexander, Karolina Strassmayer, Jim Pugh Michael Davis and Louie Bellson. His jazz works have been performed and recorded by (among others) the Eastman School of Music, Kansas University, University of Denver, Indiana University and University of Oregon jazz ensembles.

Olsen’s extensive catalog of non-jazz compositions include several highly-acclaimed works for percussion, orchestra, wind ensemble, a variety of chamber pieces and the score for “Exit Dying,” a made-for-television movie.

Olsen has been the music director of Swing Shift, a community-based big band in Eugene, since 1997. He also teaches saxophone and flute through Lane Community College and serves as a clinician at high school and college jazz festivals.

Fragments, a CD of Olsen’s original music for big band, was released in 1997. Swing Shift, from 2001, includes two of his arrangements, and his chart of “Straight, No Chaser” is a highlight of the Bobby Shew CD, Easy To Love. Jim Olsen’s music is published by UNC Jazz Press and Jim Olsen Music, Inc.