Before he became an award-winning choir director in Washington state, Niles’ James Jones was associated with Southwestern Michigan College theatrical productions for a decade, first as a student, then as an adjunct instructor. His job fulfills a “lifelong ambition.”

Last year Jones won Richland School District’s 2024 Crystal Apple Award. He also took a group of high schoolers to Ireland for a week on a performance tour.

When he joined the Richland School District as Hanford High’s choir director, the school only had one choir.

Entering his 11th year helping students discover their musical passions, his program features six choirs – one of the largest in the Tri-Cities.

The Tri-Cities are three closely-linked cities at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake and Columbia Rivers in the Columbia Basin of eastern Washington.

Richland, Pasco and Kennewick border one another, making the Tri-Cities seem like one uninterrupted mid-sized city.

Jones works tirelessly with 200 choir students daily. He has the rare talent of letting students know he deeply cares and values them while also holding them accountable for their attitudes and efforts.

“Through the inclusion of many different musical cultures and styles, and just the person he is, Mr. Jones cultivated my love for music and continues to be a positive influence in my life,” said Hanford High graduate Jesse Gervais. “I am just so grateful.”

But his devotion to students doesn’t stop with high schoolers. Every summer, Jones spends two weeks directing 60-80 eager middle school students at Hanford High School’s musical theatre camp.

During the school year, he invites middle schoolers to perform alongside his high school students during concerts, increasing their musical confidence and passion.

“Mr. Jones’ legacy will span the generations,” said Hanford High teacher Matthew Leggett. “He not only invites middle schoolers into the world of musical theatre, but mentors high school students into becoming coaches, several of whom have decided to become music educators.”

Since Jones joined the staff at Hanford High, he not only transformed the choir program but made a lasting impact on the school’s performing arts.

Jones has directed four musical productions, most recently “Hello Dolly,” and served as the vocal director to several drama performances.

In 2017, he was honored with the Outstanding Music Direction award by the 5th Avenue Theatre for his work with Hanford’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific.” His choirs and students have also received countless awards for their musical talents.

Despite such recognitions, Jones’ focus stays on his students — something noticed by his colleagues, students and their families.

“Mr. Jones knows how to form meaningful connections with his students,” says Hanford High parent Katie Geldmacher. “He has been a major contributor in building my children’s confidence, teaching them the value of hard work and expanding their musical skills and knowledge.”

His Crystal Apple Award, presented March 7 in Pasco, is given to teachers in and around the Tri-Cities.

The award honors educators who have a positive impact on the lives and futures of students. Each district may nominate one teacher to receive the award each year.

Jones graduated from Niles High School in 2000, so David Carew’s predecessor, Dr. Robert Briggs, who composed SMC’s Alma Mater, was his director for Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and Center Stage, the show choir.

“I started singing and working with Dave Carew in 2007 when I started teaching adjunct at SMC. My parents were able to pay for community college, and SMC was close to home. I got my bachelor’s degree in choral music education at Central Michigan University and I also have a master’s in choral music education from Central Washington University,” Jones said.

Jones taught part-time for SMC for four years, teaching voice, directing the show choir and choreographing the musicals.

“When it was time to look for a fulltime teaching job,” Jones said, “I was picky about where I applied, and there weren’t a lot of good options in Michigan at the time, so I looked all over the country.”

“I honestly have no plans to even visit Michigan again,” Jones said. “My parents and my wife’s parents have both moved to Florida, along with my wife’s brother and his family. 

“SMC was my home for many years, both as a student and as a teacher.  I made some awesome friends that I still keep in touch with and had some awesome teachers who really made an impact in my life,” he said.

Jones lives in Richland with his wife, Rebecca, whom he met at SMC; two daughters, Anastazya, 6; Amelia, 5; a yellow Lab, Beau; and black cat, Oso.

In his spare time, Jones loves to read.

“I have read the Harry Potter series numerous times. My favorite author is Brandon Mull (Fablehaven and Beyonders series.)”

Reminded of the Nathan’s-style hot dog-eating contest that was the centerpiece of bet36体育在线 Bash when he was a student, Jones not only remembered it, he admitted he finished third.

“I needed ketchup,” he laughed.