James, a native of Southern California, has been playing bassoon for ten years and is attending the University of Redlands where he is obtaining his Bachelor's of Music Degree in Music Education. As a senior in college, he is the principal bassoonist of the University of Redlands Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.  He has performed with and instructed the University of Redlands Community School of Music and the Arts Youth Orchestra.  He also privately instructs bassoon with young students from middle and high school and has coached chamber groups at Rubidoux High School in Riverside, CA. Along with this he has performed in the Feast of Lights Orchestra with the special ceremony that takes place every Christmas and in the pit orchestra for Don Giovani.