As an active performing musician, Mr. Skaleski currently performs clarinet and bass clarinet regularly with the Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra, Lake Country Orchestra, Knightwind Ensemble, Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, Waukesha Park Band, Oconomowoc Post 91 American Legion Band, and the West Allis Suburban Concert Band. Jim has previously performed with various ensembles throughout Wisconsin, including community ensembles in Waukesha, Wauwatosa, La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Menomonie. He frequently freelances for pit orchestras and other musical functions. He performs annually for Viterbo University's musical theatre performances.
While working towards his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Mr. Skaleski remained dedicated to musical performance. He was a member of the university's Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and the Blugold Marching Band. In addition to work with large ensembles, Mr. Skaleski also participated with various chamber groups. While working on solo literature, he took opportunities to perform for master classes with members of the United States Marine Band, Dr. Andrea Cheeseman, and Dr. Frank Sidorfsky. He was also selected twice to perform with the National Band Association-Wisconsin Chapter All-Star College Band (2007, 2008) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
His primary instructors have included Vojislav Brankov (Milwaukee, WI), John Hibler (Milwaukee, WI), Dan Gilmore (Waukesha, WI), and Dr. Richard Fletcher (Eau Claire, WI).
Mr. Skaleski currently performs saxophone for a variety of musical functions. During his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, he continued to perform primarily with jazz ensembles. He was a member of the university jazz bands. Mr. Skaleski has also performed with smaller combos within the community. He also found other performance opportunities through the University Symphony Orchestra and various pit orchestras.
His primary instructors have included Mike Caldwell (Waukesha, WI), John Hibler (Milwaukee, WI), Dr. Richard Fletcher (Eau Claire, WI), and Dr. Nancy McMillan (Eau Claire, WI).
An avid amatuer choral enthusiast, Mr. Skaleski has taken opportunities in recent years to perform with choral ensembles on works such as Mendelssohn's "Elijah", Duruflé and Wilberg's Requiems, and Schubert's "Mass No. 2." He most recently submitted a rehearsed video recording of Eric Whitacre's "Water Night", which will be compiled with 3746 videos from 73 countries in the spring of 2012 as a film and audio-video art installation. He will also be attending a workshop with the composer in May of this year.
