About James Shemwell
Currently teaching PK-5 general music in Westminster, Colorado, James Shemwell hails from eastern Iowa. He grew up playing guitar with his dad and in local bands, learning viola and singing in school ensembles, and playing bass with jazz bands and regional theater orchestras. It was his orchestra and choir directors who inspired him to teach music.
James attended the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. While there, he primarily studied as a vocalist and prepared to teach in elementary music and choral settings. He also participated in the viola studio as a non-major. He further performed as a violinist and bassist with other ensembles. Prior to graduation, he student taught in the Kansas City area, then moved to Colorado in 2019. In his own time, James enjoys songwriting, learning new instruments, cooking, and hiking.
James believes in bringing joy, movement, and creativity into his elementary classroom. Completing two levels in Orff Schulwerk certification at Metropolitan State University has helped him foster more playfulness, imagination, and student driven learning to his work in schools. He hopes to give students at Dana V the same chance to see their own goals realized in playful and quality lessons and to find joy in music making.
