James is a highly skilled and dedicated musician whose expertise has been cultivated through years of intensive training, performance, and leadership in various musical contexts. His journey began at Junior Trinity College of Music, where he studied trumpet and composition, and quickly developed a passion for conducting. His exceptional talent was recognised with several awards, including the Chappell Prize for Composition and the Philip Jones Brass Award. He also held the prestigious position of principal trumpet with the National Youth Music Theatre and was named an Aldeburgh Young Musician. In 2010, James pursued a degree in Music at Cardiff University where he continued to excel. He was actively involved in multiple ensembles, earning the co-principal trumpet seat in the university orchestra in his first year and directing the university big band to win awards at the Great Northern Big Band Festival.
After graduating, James taught music at a music academy in Suffolk, where he successfully adapted his teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of his students. His career in the British Army began in 2014, where he quickly distinguished himself, winning the Hollice Education Award during initial training. As a member of The Band of The Parachute Regiment, he made significant contributions through his arrangements and compositions, including the winning piece for the Army Benevolent Fund’s March Composition Competition, Men at Arms. In 2022, James was selected to attend the British Army Bandmaster Course and as part of The Coronation Class and graduated in 2024. In September he was posted to The Band and Bugles of The Rifles as the Assistant Bandmaster. Outside his military duties, James has pursued his interest in composition, accepting several commissions, including a suite of folk songs for wind band titled Suffolk Folk Song Suite. In 2023 James was delighted to take up the position of Director of Music with Watlington Concert Band and has had the great honour of taking the band through several concerts and engagements in the last year.
President: Mrs Tessa Mogg
Musical Director: James Symington
Flutes: Jessie Fieth, Jenny Smith, Sophocles Mavroeidis, Liz Acaster, Jen Skene, Kathleen Onorevole
Oboe: Kathy Andrews
Clarinets: Jamie Maloy, Deana Lee, Nicola Berry, Sue Graham, Louise Dalling, Derek Rowell
Saxophones: Anne Baker, Gerry Coles, Sue Rowell, Imogen Coker, Becky Moore,
Cornets: Sarah Pullen, Sarah Warner, Matt Concannon, Jonny Fieth
French Horn: Charlie Cunningham
Tenor Horn: Sally Gomme, Nina Ackland
Trombones: Chris Pavlosky, Sarah Hodge, Stuart King,
Euphoniums: Steve Owen, Mike Gomme
Bassoon: Jack Walter
Tuba: Dave Pullen
Percussion: Anita Woodruff, Susie Ingram, Katie Ingram
Musical Director: James Symington
Flutes: Jessie Fieth, Jenny Smith, Sophocles Mavroeidis, Liz Acaster, Jen Skene, Kathleen Onorevole
Oboe: Kathy Andrews
Clarinets: Jamie Maloy, Deana Lee, Nicola Berry, Sue Graham, Louise Dalling, Derek Rowell
Saxophones: Anne Baker, Gerry Coles, Sue Rowell, Imogen Coker, Becky Moore,
Cornets: Sarah Pullen, Sarah Warner, Matt Concannon, Jonny Fieth
French Horn: Charlie Cunningham
Tenor Horn: Sally Gomme, Nina Ackland
Trombones: Chris Pavlosky, Sarah Hodge, Stuart King,
Euphoniums: Steve Owen, Mike Gomme
Bassoon: Jack Walter
Tuba: Dave Pullen
Percussion: Anita Woodruff, Susie Ingram, Katie Ingram