Musical Director

Jim was born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and after schooling in Bedford went on to study trumpet at the RCM under Paul Archibald and Andy Crowley, where he also took a unit in conducting under Neil Thomson.  After leaving the RCM, Jim worked as a freelance player in and around London, including work as an orchestral player with The Senesino Players, The Chiesa Consort and the London Orchestra of Academia; studio work for Nickelodeon, AdelphoiMusic Ltd and the Johnny Parry Chamber Orchestra; and jazz residences at The Belfry, Knightsbridge and The Sun and Doves, Camberwell.  He was also Musical Director for Punchdrunk Theatre's production of Faust.

In 2009, Jim and his wife Rebecca moved from London to Somerset, where he continued in his playing career and also started conducting more regularly, including 9 years with Gillingham Imperial Silver Band.  He also conducts the Yeovil Concert Band and the Sherborne Youth Band, as well as standing in on various occasions for Glastonbury Brass and Sherborne Town Band.

Jim has taught at Bedford School, Clayesmore School and for various music services, but is currently taking a break from teaching to look after his young family, with whom he now lives in Street.

Jim is thrilled to have been passed the baton at Wotton Silver Band and is very much looking forward to working with the band both in the contest arena and on the concert stage, and above all, continuing to share our passion for music with you into the future.