J.D. Frizzell

J.D. Frizzell is the Director of Fine Arts and Director of Vocal Music at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, TN. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Choral Conducting from The University of Kentucky.  Dr. Frizzell earned the double Master's in Music Theory/Composition and Conducting from The University of Southern Mississippi, where he also earned the bachelor's degree in Music History and Literature. 

In 2024, Frizzell was named a national finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award.  Frizzell was chosen by the Tennessee Music Educators Association as the 2011 Outstanding Young Music Educator. Additionally, he was awarded the Dr. Clair E. Cox Award for Teaching Excellence in both 2011 and again in 2023.

As the Director of Fine Arts at Briarcrest, Dr. Frizzell leads a faculty of twelve full time faculty-artists and is responsible for coordinating curriculum, instruction, and budgets for all of the fine arts programs (K2-12th grade). He also serves as an advocate and school liaison for all of the visual art, instrumental music, vocal music, dance, theatre, and technical production programs. As the Director of Vocal Music, he teaches the Men’s Choir, Advanced Women’s Choir, and OneVoice.

A leader in the contemporary a cappella movement, he is the co-founder and President of The A Cappella Education Association, a nonprofit dedicated to helping groups around the world.  He also founded the National A Cappella and Choral Convention.  His high school a cappella group, OneVoice, is a SONY Recording Artist.  They were the winners of the Macy’s A Cappella Challenge judged by Pentatonix, contestants on America’s Got Talent, performers at The Emmys, and collaborators with Foreigner and The Swingles.  Their music has been streamed, downloaded, and viewed over 120 million times. Dr. Frizzell co-authored the books “A Cappella Warm Ups for Pop and Jazz Choirs” and “Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella”.

Dr. Frizzell is active as a presenter, adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor. As an active member of TNMEA, NATS, ACDA, and WTVMEA, he has served in multiple volunteer capacities.  The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation named him one of “Memphis’ Finest” for his philanthropic efforts.  He is also a professional member of the Recording Academy.  He lives in Memphis, TN with his wife, Emily and sons Henry and Elliott.

For commission, conducting, workshop, or other booking information, please visit www.jdfrizzell.com.

Dr. J.D. Frizzell, Guest Conductor
SATURDAY MARCH 15, 2025
CARNEGIE HALL

Join us for a special performance of a major work featuring professional orchestra and projection design. Under the direction and artistic vision of guest conductor, Dr. J.D. Frizzell, select choirs will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform at world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. Choirs will combine to premiere a brand new major work by Frizzell and Johnny del Toro. “You Are”, an empowering composition with poetry written by Gen Z poets Tamia Elliot and Ava Pardue, celebrates the uniqueness of each and every one of us. For ensembles interested in solo time on stage, a Spotlight performance is also available. Ask us how! Optional packages are available to accommodate your transportation, sightseeing, and dining needs. This is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your singers!