James Richens (BMI) is Composer in Residence with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Professor Emeritus (Composition, Orchestration, and Electronic Music) at the University of Memphis. He also performed for many years as bass clarinetist with the Memphis Symphony. 

 

He received a Bachelor's degree in Music Composition from Memphis State University in 1958 and a Master's of Music in Theory and Composition from the Eastman School of Music in 1960. Richens is from Memphis, Tennessee, and has had works published by Dorn Publications, Pachart Publishing House, TRN Music Publishing House, Kendor Music, and Treble C Music. 

 

His Capriccio for Soprano Saxophone and Wind Ensemble, published by Treble C Music, was written for Tedd Griepentrog after Richens heard Griepentrog play his Another Autumn for Alto Saxophone and Band.