In Memoriam

James N. Dutton

Long-time PAS member James N. Dutton, who founded the Birch Creek Music Center, led the Percussion Arts Orchestra, and headed the Percussion Department at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago from 1945 to 1985, died on Dec. 18, 1999 at the Illinois Veterans' Home in Manteno.

Born in 1921 in Sioux City, Iowa, Dutton began studying percussion at age 12. While in high school, he was named National Champion in a marimba competition for students. Dutton pursued his B.A. and Master’s degree in music at Northwestern University, where he studied marimba and vibes with Clair Omar Musser and drums and timpani with Edward Metzinger. He began teaching full-time at the American Conservatory, and later served as Chairman of the Percussion and Chamber Music Departments.

In the mid-1950s Dutton began making appearances as a concert marimbist. He formed a duo with a pianist and later formed a trio that played both classical and pop music. The trio played for several seasons until Dutton put together the Dutton Quartet, which was the forerunner of the Rosewood Rebellion and then evolved into the Percussion Arts Orchestra.

In 1975, he founded Birch Creek Farm Performing Arts Academy, a summer workshop for talented young musicians. Besides administrative duties, Dutton personally directed some of the workshops.

A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Three Crosses, 333 W Wisconsin, Chicago, IL, on Feb. 5, 2000.