Born in Salem, Oregon, James has had the opportunity to have a diverse musical education. As a child, he played with the Portland Youth Philharmonic, then with the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in Rochester, NY while attending the Eastman Community Music School. After high school, he decided to pursue other genres and instruments while still retaining his passion for classical music. He has played as a substitute with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra, and various community orchestras. Currently he also plays with many bands and can be seen touring regularly around the country.
