Philip James (1890-1975) was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was a choirboy in a number of churches and took piano, violin and theory lessons as a child. As he grew older, he studied advanced harmony, counterpoint, and composition. He also studied organ in Paris. During World War I director of the American Expeditionary Forces Headquarters Band. After the war he conducted the Victor Herbert Opera Company. He co-founded and was the first conductor of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and was conductor of the Bamberger Little Symphony. He taught at New York University and was head of the music department for over twenty years. His students included Milton Babbitt and Bernard Herrmann.

All are mixed chorus unless noted; some contain divisi.