A native Nebraskan, Julie earned her BME degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 1969 with a major in voice and a minor in piano. She was a choral director and instructor of vocal music, elementary through secondary in Nebraska and Eugene for 24 years. She served the Nebraska Choral Directors Association as Secretary and Newsletter editor, and the Nebraska Music Educators as Chairman of Choral Affairs.
Known nationally as a choral composer and arranger, Julie Knowles has had over 150 choral compositions in print. Her publishers include Hal Leonard, Jenson Publications, Alfred, Hinshaw and Shawnee Press. She represented her publishers at various workshops and conventions and conducted choral reading sessions throughout the country promoting their new publications.
She married Jack Adkins in 1992, a widower with three daughters (12, 14 and 16). It didn’t take long to realize the need to hang up her teacher, composer, adjudicator and clinician hats and concentrate on her new life. A Life Member of the American Choral Directors Association, she continued to serve as the editor of the Oregon Choral Focus for 24 years, earning recognition at the national level for the final 8 years. At present Julie plays the piano in the lobby at RiverBend and at Terpening Terrace. On Tuesday mornings she sings with Bob Cross, former voice student and Shedd performer.
Why The Shedd?
It is a privilege to be a part of furthering the mission of this cultural center so vital to our community, state and at the national level. The opportunity for all ages, skill levels, and musical tastes including education, performance and concert programs is readily available and exceptional.