James E. Clemens was born in 1966 in Goshen, Indiana, where he spent most of his childhood. With a family tree full of Mennonites on both sides, his life has been full of singing.
 During his school years, Jim studied piano, violin, and organ, and performed in many ensembles--orchestras, jazz bands, choirs, and early music groups.
 Jim composes a wide variety of vocal and instrumental music, ranging from a setting of the Te Deum for choir and orchestra to a musical version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Stylistic influences include old-time tunes, rhythms from West Africa, the music of Native North Americans, jazz, and early American folk hymns. In addition to composing, Jim works as a freelance music engraver and an accompanist for ensembles and soloists. He is also a Life Member of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada.