A successful performer, composer, educator, and musical and vocal director, James E. Mumford served as Director of the IU African American Choral Ensemble from 1983-2006. The ensemble has premiered several of his original compositions, while others, including Black Nativity and Ebon-One, have gained recognition through television presentations. In 1993, he was inducted into the Faculty Colloquium on Excellence in Teaching program, a prestigious honor IU bestows in recognition of outstanding teaching. Mumford sits down for an interview to discuss his views on education.