James Ball (Theatre and Choir Director) – This is James’ 13th year of teaching theatre and choir at Mingus Union High School. In 2014 he was awarded "Best Theatre Teacher in Northern Arizona" as well as runner-up for Yavapai County High School Teacher of the year in 2015. He is extatic that his theatre program has won the state thespian mainstage in 2014 and 2016 and last year, "Newsies" won the AZ High School Music Theatre award for best musical in the state! He graduated cum laude from Illinois Wesleyan University back in 2007 with a Bachelor’s in Music Education, vocal emphasis, piano and organ minor. James also played violin and percussion in the orchestra and band respectively. In addition to these instruments, he participated in theatre both in high school and college, theatres around Chicago, and in Grand Lake, Colorado. He has performed from California to Chicago and Virginia on down to Florida. When not performing, teaching, or directing, he can be found on an airplane or in his car driving to a new destination. Every chance he gets he travels both nationally and internationally. However, he is always thrilled to come home and be a part of the Mingus Family.

Check out the theatre and choir website HERE.