James Christensen
James Christensen is well known throughout the world as a conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator and clinician. Over 450 of his works have been been published. Associated with the Walt Disney Company for over 40 years, he served as music director for Disneyland and Walt Disney World for twelve years and was music director on the soundtracks for The Original Main Street Electrical Parade, Fantasy in the Sky and many other Disney productions. The "Christensen sound" has been featured in arrangements and orchestrations performed by the Boston Pops and London Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the Academy Awards Show, several Super Bowls, and on National Public Radio broadcasts.
Christensen holds a masters degree in composition from the University of Wisconsin, where he was director of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band from 1961-1968 as well as a composition professor. Following that, he was a chief arranger for the United States Army bands before his work with Disney. In addition he has conducted dozens of orchestras including the San Diego Symphony, the Winnepeg Symphony, the L.A. Chamber Orchestra, the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
Throughout his legendary career, Christensen has collaborated with a who's who list of celebrity musicians including Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, the Osmonds, Diane Schuur, Al Jarreau, Johnny Mathis, and Davis Gains.
Christensen currently teaches composition at Concordia University while maintaining a very active schedule completing commissions and arrangements, consulting with Walt Disney Company, and guest conducting.
