J.D. Frizzell

J.D. Frizzell, a composer, conductor and baritone, is the Director of Fine Arts and Director of Vocal Music at Briarcrest. He earned double Master’s in Music Theory/Composition and Conducting from The University of Southern Mississippi, where he also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music History and Literature. He is currently a candidate for a Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in Conducting at The University of Kentucky.

As the Director of the Fine Arts department, Mr. Frizzell is responsible for coordinating all Fine Arts programs (K2-12th grade). He also serves as an advocate and school liaison for all of our outstanding visual, musical and dramatic arts at Briarcrest. As the Director of Vocal Music, he teaches the Honors Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and OneVoice.

Mr. Frizzell, winner of the 2007 Intégrales Composition Contest, has had best-selling works published throughout the world by many major companies. In 2011, the board of the Tennessee Music Educators Association named him the Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year. He was also awarded the Dr. Clair E. Cox Award for Teacher Excellence. In 2013, he was named one of Memphis’ Finest Young Professionals by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for his philanthropic efforts. He also volunteers as the President of the A Cappella Education Association.