Biographies of the Music Program Directors

Our Directors' Biographies

Courtney Rowley has been Director of Choirs at Ballard High School since 2007. Originally from Michigan, she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance and Choral Music Education from the University of Michigan.

During her time at the University of Michigan, Ms. Rowley studied voice with Bothell native Freda Herseth, and conducting with Paul Rardin and Jerry Blackstone. She sang frequently with the University Choir and Chamber Choir, including performances of Handel's Messiah at Orchestra Hall with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the premier of a Susan Botti original work at Carnegie Hall. Ms. Rowley also appeared on the 2005 Grammy winning Classical album of the year, William Bolcom's "Songs of Innocence and Experience."

Under Ms. Rowley's direction, the Ballard choirs have grown from 36 students to over 100 strong. They consistently receive Superior ratings at both regional and national choral festivals. In May of 2010, the Ballard High School Concert Choir performed by invitation at New York's Lincoln Center, where they presented Randall Thompson's "Frostiana" under the direction of the University of Washington's Dr. Giselle Wyers. Ms. Rowley is thrilled to be a part of the Ballard High School music program!

Michael James has been at Ballard High School since 2004 and teaches the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Percussion, Jazz Band 1. He also directs the pit orchestra for the spring musical and supervises coaches for Jazz Band 2, Chamber Orchestra, and Drumline. The Orchestra has recently traveled to San Francisco and New York City where they won several awards for outstanding performances, and the Ballard Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band consistently receive high scores and accolades at regional festivals.

The award-winning BHS Marching band, under Mr. James' direction, regularly travels to Wenatchee, Victoria BC, and California and has been seen in many local parades and events including a TV commercial for Bartell Drugs. The Orchestra has recently traveled to San Francisco and New York City where they won several awards for outstanding performances. The Ballard Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band consistently receive high scores and accolades at regional festivals.

Mr. James received the Master of Arts in Instrumental Conducting from Truman State University and the Bachelor of Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University. He plays alto saxophone in the Washington Wind Symphony and was named Ballard's "Educator of the Year" in 2008 and a Symetra "Hero in the Classroom" in 2010.