James' dynamic experiences - in music, performance, and composition - began as a pianist studying under scholarship at Lewis & Clark College (immediately following high school). After two years of study, he enlisted under contract with the United States Marine Corps Concert Band. While in the Military School of Music. James completed guidance to become a professional clarinetist; thereafter, he was assigned as soloist & principal chair in the Marine Corps Band along with keyboard tech in the stage band. The Marine Concert Band's many appearances at Disneyland sparked an interest to teach music to children. Having Honorably served his contract, he began undergraduate studies at Portland State U. earning a BM *Music Ed. (Master - clarinet performance - Dr. Stan Stanford). While there, James also studied music comp. under Thomas Svoboda. Later an M.S.T was obtained in 2006. Public & private orchestra, band and clarinet instruction... and principal chair performances in various musicals/orchestras (Maestro's Salvador Brotons & Keith Clark) have been inherent parts of his life. Additionally, the recent performances of his Symphonic Band compositions by the Portland Wind Symphony, Eugene Symphonic Band (among others) continue to showcase his compositional talents.