James Catalano

James Catalano serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Music Department at the University of Notre Dame. He holds a BS in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1975) and an MA from the University of Notre Dame (1977). From 1975–1977, he was the Graduate Assistant Band Director overseeing marching, concert, and jazz bands at ND.

His professional activities include extensive clinic work as a percussionist and music industry expert. He has presented at prominent events like The Midwest Clinic, Texas Music Educators Association, and Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest. From 1998–2019, he was a clinician with the Conn-Selmer Institute and coordinated the Elkhart Jazz Fest’s educational workshops.

Catalano remains an active performer, playing drums with ensembles such as Truth in Jazz, Jazz Assemblage, and the Notre Dame Faculty Jazz Trio. He also performs with the Elkhart Municipal Band, Elkhart Symphony, and leads his vibes quartet, VibeNation.