James M. Gregg, director

James was born in Iowa, but spent his formative years in Arizona before finding his way to Oregon in 2000. After earning a master's degree in conducting from Northern Arizona University, he signed on as a jazz studies professor at NAU and Coconino Community College, teaching jazz history, American music and World music in the classroom and on the local cable TV channel. He also served as the youth jazz band director for the Sedona Jazz On The Rocks Festival Youth Band. James is a seasoned jazz trumpeter, having studied with Dr. Pete Vivona and holding the lead chair in the award-winning NAU Jazz Ensemble for 7 years, he now freelances extensively and leads his own groups. After moving to Oregon, James began to be in demand as a trumpeter in the jazz, rock and funk idioms, most notably as a member of Rubberneck and Jesus Presley, and freelance with artists such as The Decemberists, Sandin Wilson, and Chris Robley. As a director, educator and trumpeter, James has performed or collaborated with artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Chuck Mangione, Poncho Sanchez, Chris Vadala, and Bobby Shew. As a composer and arranger, James has had his original works for marching band and jazz band recorded and published through Walrus Music, SeaBreeze/Vista and Mesa Music Publishers. James currently teaches jazz improvisation and trumpet out of Uptown Music Studios, and works as a corporate trainer for Volkswagen Credit. For more about James, visit his website at jamesmgregg.com.