For almost two decades, James has been sharing his passion and enthusiasm for Music Education with students and colleagues across the Independent, Catholic and State systems around Australia. Following seven years as Director of Bands and Arts Learning Leader at Our Lady of Sion College, James now serves as Head of Music at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS). An active musician, conductor and ensemble director, James draws on his diverse experience across Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Big Band, Musical Theatre, Jazz Combo and Chamber Ensemble, creating a collaborative environment where each player is imbued to contribute with empathy, generosity and unanimity. For nine years, James served as a volunteer with the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) fulfilling the roles of National President, State President and State Vice President.
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, James stepped forward as a driving voice in the establishment of Music Education Alliance Victoria (MEAV), a significant collaborative thinktank of music education organisations in Victoria. James has also served as a committee member of the Association of Directors of Music in Independent Schools (ADMIS).
An in-demand clinician, performer and education consultant, James is forging a reputation as an engaging and effective practitioner, presenter and conductor. Recently, James has led programs with Musica Viva, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Youth Orchestras, Association of Music Educators (VIC), Australian Band and Directors Association (VIC), The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Melbourne University, Association of Directors in Music in Independent schools, Department of Education and Training, Heidelberg Wind Symphony, Music Education Alliance Victoria, among others. James holds a Bachelor of Music with Honours from the Australian National University, an education qualification from Monash University and leadership credentials from National Excellence in Schools Leadership Institute (NESLI) and the Department of Education and Training Victoria.
Photo by Dylan Breninger
