James Box caught the music bug watching military bands in his childhood. His grandfather, who conducted a brass band, was his first teacher. At the age of 15, James joined the Memphis Youth Symphony and went on to study at the Southern Methodist University and the Cleveland Institute of Music with Marta Hofacre, John Kitzman, James DeSano, and Steve Witser. His first concert with the OSM comprised a performance of Ravel’s Bolero, in which he held down the famous trombone solo part. In addition to his performance career, James Box teaches trombone at McGill University.

Joined the OSM in: 2001

Previous positions: Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Canton Symphony (Ohio), Mississippi Symphony, Wheeling Symphony (West Virginia), Orquesta Sinfónica de Nuevo León (Mexico)

Model of instrument: Stanley W. Matras (Aurora, Ohio)

Hometown: Ripley (Tennessee)

Academic institutions attended: Southern Methodist University, Cleveland Institute of Music

Favourite composer: Brahms

Favourite works: The symphonies of Brahms and Mahler, Mozart’s Requiem

Recent recordings: The Pipes are Calling with Jean-Willy Kunz on organ (ATMA Classique)

Interests: Cooking, especially American Southern dishes

If you hadn’t chosen to become a musician, you would be …: A travel agent or restaurateur