I'd love to make your upcoming event special!
I am by profession, a musician and music teacher in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area, my home town. I started my career at age 6 with piano study under piano professors from Coe College and continued all of my years growing up through the University of Iowa where I majored in piano performance and choral music education. Along my journey I've added pipe organ, harpsichord, acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, cello, clarinet, flute, alto sax, trumpet, and French horn. My newest endeavor is the Irish Uilleann Pipes.
I've taught and substituted for band, orchestra, choir and general music in Cedar Rapids area schools for 25 years, the same length of time that I've been the organist at New Covenant Bible Church, the largest evangelical church in the community, and a baritone/bass singer and soloist with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale. I also sing and solo with Chorale Midwest, and I've performed several times with the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra and the Cedar Rapids Opera Theater.
As a Hawkeye freshman, I was involved with the University of Iowa Scottish Highlanders, where I developed a passion for the Great Highland Bagpipes. Opportunities have brought experiences with the Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums in Des Moines, and mass band performances with organizations throughout the Midwest. I presently play pipes with Turlach Ur out of Grinnell, Iowa's largest and fastest-growing Scottish pipes and drums band in the state. I'm also a piper for the Cedar Rapids Fire Department and the Hawkeye Area Grand Gaelic Isle Society (H.A.G.G.I.S.) where I participate in their annual Celtic Fest in September and their Robert Burns Dinner in January. I dress in full Scottish piper regalia and I specialize in Celtic cultural music presentations with icons and materials.
Between James Jenkins Music Studio and Ministries and West Music Company in Marion, I've had many students of all ages, as well as many clients. Several of my students have gone on to major in music at higher institutions. Keyboard accompaniment, music contests and competitions, adjudication, educational forums and presentations, clinics, church services and functions, school and civic programs, ceremonies, concerts, recitals, weddings, funerals, special events, parties, and yes, even parades are the culmination of over 35 years in the music industry.
Keyboards and all audio equipment needed can be provided for any occasion. Disc-jockey, stage-tech operation, and recording/audio production are also provided services. Every performance venue from solo to large ensembles is presented with artistry and passion for entertaining and educating people.
James Jenkins Music Studio and Ministries & James D. Jenkins, HIGHLAND BAGPIPER, the Iowa Brython y ddraigg goch.