James Schoepflin

Professor Emeritus

Dr. Schoepflin came to WSU in 1976 as Associate Professor of Music and Department Chair. At the end of 29 years of service he retired in 2005. During that time, he served as Music Department Chair as it was called then, later as the Music Program Coordinator, and finally as Director of the School 2000-2003. His primary teaching responsibility was the clarinet studio. Upon retirement in 2005 he was the last remaining original member of the Solstice Wind Quintet. His classroom teaching areas were Music History and Literature, Conducting, Woodwind Methods, and Chamber Music coaching. At one point he was interim conductor of the Wind Symphony and the WSU Symphony. From 1976 until 1987, he was Conductor/Music Director of the Washington Idaho Symphony.

Dr. Schoepflin was selected to launch THE CLARINET, official magazine of the International Clarinet Society, when it was formed in 1973. He devoted much energy and commitment to the development of this professional society, now called the International Clarinet Association. He published THE CLARINET for 11 years, served on the Board of Directors, and is now one of a select group of past and present clarinet professionals who have been voted lifetime honorary membership in the International Clarinet Association.

He and his wife Nancy reside in Spokane. Their days are filled with domestic and international travel, visits to world cities to hear concerts, see operas and plays, and learn more about the world.