Jim has been playing clarinet for about 14 years, during which he has remained extensively involved in performing ensembles. His primary instructors include Vojislav Brankov (Milwaukee, WI), John Hibler (Milwaukee, WI), Dan Gilmore (Waukesha, WI), and Dr. Richard Fletcher (Eau Claire, WI).
Jim performed extensively with various high school ensembles while in high school, including the symphonic band, pit orchestra, clarinet choir, woodwind choir, and as a jazz soloist. In addition to high school ensembles, Jim was also involved with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensemble for 2 years. During this time, the ensemble traveled to Canada and was the featured ensemble at the Cantando International Music Festival (2004). He also performed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee High School Honors Band for 2 years (2002, 2003). In addition, he performed on joint student recitals while taking clarinet lessons.
While working towards his undergraduate degree in Music Education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Jim remained dedicated to performance. While performing with theWind Symphony (directed by R. Mark Heidel and James Colonna), the band enjoyed tours throughout the Midwest, including invitations to the College Band Directions National Association-North Central Division convention in Omaha, NE (2008), and the National Music Educators National Conference in Milwaukee, WI (2008). He also had the privilege of performing with the University Symphony Orchestra (directed by Nobuyoshi Yasuda). Highlights with this ensemble included a performance of Mahler's 3rd Symphony, Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major with guest pianist Alexandre Tharaud, and various performances at the university's annual Viennese Ball. Jim was also involved in various functions with theBlugold Marching Band (directed by Randy Dickerson), including clarinet section leader, sousaphone player, staff member, and drum major.
In addition to work with university large ensembles, Jim also participated with various smaller ensembles. Collaborations with other instrumentalists resulted in various ensemble performances in concert and at events such as the music department's annual holiday "Lobby Concert." Jim also performed in the pit orchestra for the University's staging of Franz Lehar's "The Merry Widow" and Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera." Jim has also performed two solo recitals (2007, 2008), featuring music of various styles and time periods (listen to audio here). While working on solo literature, Jim has taken opportunities to perform for master classes with members of the United States Marine Band, Dr. Andrea Cheeseman, and Dr. Frank Sidorfsky.
Outside of the university, Jim has performed with various ensembles throughout Wisconsin, including community ensembles in Waukesha, Wauwatosa, Oconomowoc, West Allis, La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Menomonie. He was also selected twice to perform with the National Band Association-Wisconsin Chapter All-Star College Band (2007, 2008) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He has also performed internationally with the Ireland Band of Eau Claire, which gave performances in Dublin and Galway, Ireland.
Jim is currently performing on clarinet with the Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra and the New Berlin Concert Band. He also plays bass clarinet with the West Allis Suburban Concert Band.
Jim gained interest in saxophone in 2000, simply from being frustrated at not being able to perform in a jazz ensemble without experience on the instrument. His primary instructors since then have included Mike Caldwell, John Hibler, Dr. Richard Fletcher, and Dr. Nancy McMillan. While in high school, he performed saxophone exclusively for Jazz Lab and Jazz Ensemble I, performing primarily on baritone saxophone. He also performed for the school's staging of "Guys and Dolls", performing on both baritone saxophone and bass clarinet.
During his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, he continued to perform in jazz-related functions with Jazz Ensemble IV and V, as well as smaller ensemble collaborations. At the same time, Jim found other performance opportunities. He performed saxophone with the University Symphony Orchestra (directed by Nobuyoshi Yasuda) and was the saxophone soloist on Aram Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance." In addition, he also performed Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera" on both clarinet and alto saxophone.
