Bala Brass • Brass Quintet • The Five Strengths

James Baker received his Bachelor of Music degree from Fort Lewis College, from which he also earned a computer science degree. Upon earning his Master of Music degree from The Boston Conservatory he became active as a freelance hornist in the Boston area. James enjoys performing with ensembles from the Atlantic seaboard to upstate New York, including the Plymouth Symphony, New Bedford Symphony, North Shore Philharmonic, Metrowest Symphony, Albany Symphony, Hillyer Festival Orchestra, and Symphony by the Sea and has been featured as soloist with the Metrowest Symphony and with the Sangre de Cristo Chamber Players.

A native Coloradoan, Mr. Baker moved to Boston in search of musical training and career opportunities. A life long advocate of chamber music, and equally comfortable in large and small ensembles, he quickly found a niche with Bala. As one of the newest members of the ensemble he brings fresh musical ideas into the mix as well as a desire to promote not only chamber music but also music and the arts in general to audiences of varying ages and backgrounds. Mr. Baker currently keeps a small private horn studio and finds the educational clinics conducted by Bala a wonderful opportunity to enhance the lives of young musicians as well. Along with playing horn, James enjoys skiing, piloting small aircraft, spending time with his family, and restoring classic cars.