معرفی
James Pisano is an Associate Professor in the School of Music at Wichita State University's College of Fine Arts. He serves as Director of Jazz Arts I, Instructor of Saxophone, and leads Jazz Arts Ensemble I and Jazz Combos. Additionally, he directs the Mid-Kansas Jazz Ensemble, a high school honor band established over 30 years ago. His prior academic appointments include faculty positions at Bethel College (2006–2018) and the University of Idaho.
Pisano's research focuses on jazz performance pedagogy, woodwind specialization, and improvisational techniques. His current dissertation examines Saxophone Performance Practice in a Jazz Organ Context, analyzing stylistic approaches in jazz organ ensembles. He maintains active creative output through compositions and recordings, emphasizing jazz organ quartet formats.
As a performer, Pisano collaborates with prominent ensembles including Organique (his jazz organ group), Riff Generation (Kansas City collective), and the Cleveland-based Jazz Heritage Orchestra. He has performed globally with artists like Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, and the Dizzy Gillespie Reunion Big Band, alongside orchestral work with the Wichita Grand Opera and Music Theatre Wichita.
He regularly serves as a clinician for national events including the Clark Terry Jazz Festival, Oklahoma State University Jazz Festival, and Jazz Educator’s Network conferences. Pisano holds professional memberships in the Kansas Music Educators Association and Jazz Educator’s Network.
