James J. Han is the director of choral activities for Lamar University. He conducts both the A Cappella Choir and the Grand Chorus. Dr. Han received a Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting and literature from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and he earned a Master’s of Music with honors in choral conducting from the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.

A native of Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Han has taught at the University of Illinois and at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. He has also trained many church choristers. While in New Jersey, Han performed with the world-renowned Westminster Choir and the Westminster Symphonic Choir in performances with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, and the Spoleto Festival USA. He also founded and directed the Mid-New Jersey Men’s Chorale.

Dr. Han has worked with high school, university, church and professional choirs, including Knox College Men’s Vocal Ensemble, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Concert Choir and Master Chorale, University of Illinois Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Varsity Men’s Glee Club. He also received public attention with his acclaimed concert of Robert Schumann’s Requiem op. 148, with a full chorus and orchestra, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Han is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. He has conducted All-State Region Choirs and also serves as chorus master of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. He and his wife live in Houston and have four wonderful children Christian, Quinn, Faith and Grace.