Off the podium, he is the Music Coordinator and Instructor of Music at Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods. Jim’s passion for music is equaled by his passion for teaching. Posey and a Masters Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Denver, where he studied with Dr. Jim’s formal training includes a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance from William Jewell College, where he studied with Dr. When the conductor arrived, he allowed Jim to finish that rehearsal and then invited him to conduct two pieces, Copland’s Quiet City and Gounod’s Petite Symphonie, on a concert the following week. Jim had just began studying conducting, when, as a member of the Rome Festival Orchestra, he stepped in to lead a rehearsal for the conductor who was delayed. He is also in frequent demand as a guest conductor and clinician with many area ensembles. Recently featured as a Mover, Shaker and Stalwart by, Maestro Murray is also the Music Director & Conductor of the Heritage Philharmonic (formerly the Independence Symphony) as well as the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Kansas City, an ensemble that he helped to found. In addition to featuring the music of standard composers, Jim has also included the music of Alwyn, Bantock, Bloch, Butterworth, Corigliano, Cowell, Cutcliffe, Fine, Finzi, Hovhaness, Ives, Khachaturian, Mobberley, Moncayo and Turina, among others. According to the Kansas City Star, Maestro Murray’s programming “betrays an inventive sense of fun”. The ensemble has developed a reputation for the consistent quality of their performances combined with innovative and unique programs.
With Jim’s leadership, the dedication of the orchestra members and the hard work of the Board of Directors, the Northland Symphony Orchestra has become one to the most respected community orchestras in the area. The 2022-2023 season will mark Maestro Murray’s 26th season as Music Director and Conductor of the Northland Symphony Orchestra.
We believe that in addition to providing the organization with a 50+ Year Northland staple, it will provide our young musicians with numerous additional resources and opportunities. In 2018, MYO/MYS became part of the Northland Symphony Orchestra. It is to provide developing young players an opportunity to explore their musical ability and to grow their musical talent and leadership skills. The Metropolitan Youth Sinfonia provides an educational and artistic experience for younger students. The orchestra has also commissioned and premiered works by local composers.Īfter twenty seasons, the organization decided to expand and create the Metropolitan Youth Sinfonia.
Some of those opportunities have included performances at the rededication of the Liberty Memorial and the Great Kansas City Japan Festival.
The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra performs three concerts a season, as well as participating in special performance opportunities. It's all about having fun while learning about and making great music.
The purpose is to provide an educational and artistic experience in a full orchestra ensemble for young musicians. The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Kansas City was founded in the Fall of 1997 by James Murray III & Paul Cooper.