WSC | AHU | Faculty & Staff

James O'Donnell joined Wayne State College as Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities in the Fall of 2001. He holds a Doctor of Arts degree from Ball State University as well as an Artist Diploma from the World Federation of International Music Competitions. He has performed as a soloist throughout the United States as well as in Europe and Asia with professional, civic and school groups including the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band, the Mid-Atlantic Chamber Orchestra (Washington, D.C.), and the West Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra. He has additionally participated as a performer on numerous recording projects, many of which receive regular air play on National Public Radio.

As a member of the O'Donnell-McCarthy Trumpet and Organ Duo he has performed in leading venues including the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the National Presbyterian Church, the Cathedral of Mary our Queen, and the Atlanta Sacred Music Festival. The duo's second recording, "The Trumpet's Lofty Sound," is regularly broadcast throughout the U.S. on National Public Radio, and upon its release received enthusiastic review in American Record Guide, Fanfare, and The Journal of the International Trumpet Guild. BBC Music Magazine and The London Times music critic Barry Millington proclaimed it contains "highly impressive playing...delivered in exuberant and supremely confident style."

O'Donnell's awards include Finalist in the Budapest International Trumpet Competition, Semi-Finalist in the Project 4 International Music Competition (Germany), Artist of Special Mention in the Concerts Atlantique management competition (New York City), two teaching commendations from the State of Tennessee, a Research and Creative Activity Award from East Tennessee State University, an Authors and Artists Award from Indiana State University, and both the Alumni Achievement Award and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Ball State University School of Music. O'Donnell came to Wayne State College following five years as chairperson of the Department of Music at Indiana State University (Terre Haute, Indiana). He previously served East Tennessee State University (Johnson City, Tennessee) for thirteen years in a variety of roles, including those of applied music instructor, ensemble director, instrumental coordinator, assistant to the chair, and interim chairman.