by Frederick D. Fairchild

Master teacher and percussionist James Salmon was on the University of Michigan music faculty from 1954 until 1972. His background included study with Roy. C. Knapp in Chicago, teaching at Knapp’s famed School of Percussion, touring with Clair Omar Musser’s 1936 Marimba Orchestra, performing 4 1/2 years in military bands, and playing timpani with the Panama Symphony Orchestra. He received B.M. and M.M. degrees from the University of Michigan and joined the faculty as its first full-time percussion teacher in 1954. He was recognized for his fine musicianship and teaching ability and his name was closely associated with the famed University of Michigan Bands. Salmon is the author of numerous articles and instructional works including Percussion Pointers for the Marching Band. He was one of the first contributing editors to Percussionist magazine.