Originally from Forbes NSW, James came to Armidale to study in 2015. Since completing his Bachelor of Criminology in 2019, James has rediscovered his passion for music and is currently studying a Bachelor of Music at UNE. He is a multi-instrumentalist who regularly performs in musicals, orchestras and chamber groups. He has also had the privilege of playing with top orchestras in Australia such as the Australian Opera Ballet Orchestra and this year was chosen to perform in the Australian Youth Orchestra. He is currently a wind and ensemble teacher at the New England Conservatorium of Music.