It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Jim Sparks, Adjunct Professor of Choral Conducting.
“Jim had a long association with the UBC School of Music, as an alumnus and Adjunct Professor. His gifts as a conductor and music educator positively impacted countless musicians in both professional and educational settings. He will be missed.”
— T. Patrick Carrabré, Director of the UBC School of Music
Dr. Sparks was also interim Director of Choral Activities at Boston University and Lecturer in Music Education at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia. He was the recipient of the Professional Music Educator Award from the British Columbia Music Educators Association and the Healey Willan Award from the BC Choral Federation. For his research into Cross-Cultural singing, he received the Simon Fraser University President’s PhD Award in 2014.
A fierce believer in education, Dr. Sparks had an outsized impact on his students and the wider choral community. Our deepest condolences to his many loved ones.
Please find messages of remembrance below from our community.
The chorus of angels has received an exquisite soul into their midst.
Jim Sparks was a gift to so many of us. Countless numbers of people, actually, as the ripples of his influence continue to flow. He was a passionate and gifted educator and musician, and he was among the most genuine people one could ever meet.
His work with his students, his choirs — and the many music teachers he mentored across Canada, the United States, and even in Europe and Cuba — was deeply impactful. It was all about authentic connection,… egoless collaborative music-making,… and shared experiences of humanity through the art of ensemble and through the music itself. There was no artifice or gimmick, or any of the trendy style-isms that come and go. Just a genuine desire to elevate those around him to achieve their best, and to inspire each in turn to elevate the next person.
I’m deeply grateful to have had Jim as a valued colleague at UBC and as a vibrant member of choral community.
I’m so much more grateful to have known him as a cherished friend.
Sending Cheryl, and Jim’s entire family all our love.
~ Graeme Langager, Director of Choral Activities
