Inspired to delve into the fields of music and academia by his high school music director, James E. Arndt has been an accomplished and well-respected band director for the past 34 years. Initially hired by Selby Public School in South Dakota in 1985, he served the school district as a band director for two years before traveling to Iowa to act in the same capacity for Kuemper Catholic School System until 1991. From 1991 to 1993, he was a band director for Converse County Schools in Wyoming, having thereafter served as a longtime band director for Benton Community Schools in Iowa until 2005. Since 2005, Mr. Arndt has been a band director for the West Music Company in Coralville, IA, where he has had the privilege of educating young music professionals.
Alongside his primary endeavors, Mr. Arndt has been a band member of numerous instrumental bands, including the Clear Lake Municipal Band, the Jazz Vanguard Collective, and the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. Civically involved as well, he served Blairstown, IA, as a city councilman from 2001 to 2003 and as an ambulance service member from 2000 to 2005. Likewise, he has also been a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America in Blairstown since 1993. During his tenure, Mr. Arndt has maintained affiliation with the Iowa Bandmasters Association, as well as Lions Clubs International.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the music education industry and his local community, Mr. Arndt has received numerous accolades. The recipient of a District Merit Award in 2016, he previously earned a Silver Beaver Award and a Wood Badge. In 1977, he was declared an Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America. Impressively, he has also been highlighted in various Who’s Who publications since 2002. However, he cites the highlights of his career to be when he encounters former students who have made successful lives for themselves.
Contact Mr. Arndt:
