Subsequently, this lead to James regaining his passion for performing and he has since made guest soloist performances at several concerts. Shortly after this period, James formalised his move to Usk Brass Band as principal euphonium player. The band decided to start contesting and James was a driving force in many of the band’s successes. During his spell as principal euphonium, James won a plethora of best instrumentalist and soloist awards. At one contest, James collected both awards simultaneously. During his time playing with Usk he managed to successfully defend the ‘best euphonium player’ award at a local contest for four years in a row.

 

James has a passion for teaching Music; many of his pupils have gone on to study at some of the UK's finest Conservatoires such as Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal Northern College of Music, London Academy and Huddersfield University. He enjoys teaching musicians of all ages and standards and shares an equal passion for tutoring music theory.

 

James is also a keen arranger of music and has also composed music for junior bands. His commission, 'A Fanfare for Usk', was written for his hometown of Usk and has been adopted by each Mayor to be played at their inauguration. James has since gone on to arranged many pieces which have been played by numerous bands.

 

In 2017, James was asked to move from his position as solo euphonium of Usk Brass Band to take over as the organisation’s new musical director. In doing so James has helped the band qualify for the National Finals of Great Britain for two consecutive years at his first attempt. James has an unrelenting focus and stealing determination for developing every player individually, thus helping them to improve the overall standard as a whole.

 

As well as his commitments to conducting, James also plays trombone with a function band called ‘Untapped Sound’. He also re-launched and plays his family quartet ‘The Jones Four’. When James isn’t busy conducting, teaching, composing, arranging, playing or event managing, he manages shopping centres all across the UK working for one of Britain’s biggest property management companies.

​

​

Testimonials

​

 

‘James is a fiercely determined and innovative conductor. His commitment to player development is quite unique. His standards are unrelenting but his results speak for themselves. He believes that nothing is impossible.’

– Callum Phillips (Principal Cornet – Usk Band)

 

‘I am the happiest I have ever been in any band. James pushes us hard, but never loses faith in players.’

– June Humphries (Soprano)

 

‘James was Musical Director at Rogerstone Brass Band over a three year period whilst I was a player. Jamie always took a professional attitude with the band and delivered excellent practical and theoretical advice to players during his residency. James had a good rapport with players of all ages and abilities and was able to command respect with in-depth knowledge of the music that was to be played and also having had a distinguished playing career himself. Although not in an official capacity as a hirer myself, as an experienced top section player and having played under many musical directors I can recommend James Jones as a young and up and coming musical director who has had great success in leading bands in the first and second section of the South Wales Brass Band Association.’

– Ross Salvage (Cornet player – Rogerstone Band)

 

‘James has brought the spark back to the Blaenavon Town band. His professionalism and fresh approach has been a breath of fresh air. James has brought confidence to every player with his high level leadership. It is a pleasure to work with such an enthusiastic and motivated individual’

– Lucinda Gough (Former cornet player – Blaenavon Band)

​

'Having known and worked with Jamie for many years, both as a player and as a composer, I have always been struck by his immense professionalism and musicality in rehearsals. Jamie has a high level of musical knowledge and a passion which invigorates those around him. As a composer, I find him easy to deal with and a pleasure to write music for, and look forward to many years of collaboration in the future.'

-David Rees (Composer)

​

"Jamie is a dedicated and extremely talented teacher, who always seems to teach you something new every lesson! His background of a performance degree has equipped him with an advanced knowledge of playing and teaching, making him the ideal tutor for any aspiring performer. He proved the right choice for me in that respect, playing a vital role in helping me to gain a place at the RWCMD, and transforming me as a player. He comes highly recommended!"

- Thomas Dunne (Former RWCMD student and euphonium player of Filton Band)