James Bawden
James Bawden has directed the Sanctuary Bells of Christ Church in Davenport, Iowa, since 2007. He is past director of RiverBend Bronze, a community bell choir in the Quad Cities with ringers from Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. He attended the AGEHR National Convention in Dallas, Texas, and the Region 8 Conference in Davenport. His interest in handbell composition was inspired by Cathy Moklebust’s clinic on arranging and composing for bell choir. As of 2023, he has completed five original compositions and six hymn arrangements.
Jim received his Bachelor of Music degree in music education and Master of Arts degree in percussion performance from The University of Iowa. His bands have performed for two Iowa Bandmasters state conferences, three Iowa Music Educators state conferences, and for the 1997 ASBDA national convention. Jim has been a guest conductor at International Music Camp, Iowa All-State Music Camp, and numerous honor band festivals. He has also been a conference speaker at the Iowa and the Nebraska Bandmasters Association state conferences.
After teaching for 35 years, Jim served as the Fine Arts Curriculum Specialist for the Davenport schools for five years. He was also an adjunct instructor at St. Ambrose University, Augustana College and Cornell College. He was a percussionist with the Quad City Wind Ensemble and with the Quad City Symphony.
Jim is Past-President of the Iowa Bandmasters Association. He is an IHSMA adjudicator, an MENC Nationally Certified Music Educator, winner of Scott County's Golden Apple award, an Eagle Scout and was first alternate to the United States Air Force Academy.
Jim is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, and Phi Mu Alpha. In 2007, the Iowa Bandmasters Association awarded him its Distinguished Service award, a statewide honor given to one member annually.
