James D. Jenkins

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.

Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Jim was wonderful to have at our event. He was more than willing to listen to our ideas of what songs to play & truly put on a great show. Many people who attended mentioned how great he did. -- Janelle S, Cedar Rapids, IA, 9/21/2011
• James was exceptionally easy to talk to he listened to our requests and suggested ways to improve our experience especially at this difficult time. he also liaised with the funeral home himself and arranged times for him to be at our service and the graveside. Overall a very satisfying experience at a most difficult time, would definitely recommend James for any occasion. John & Lisa Bishop (Boland) -- Millie B, Cedar Rapids, IA, 9/26/2011
• Mr. Jenkins helped to make our wedding a memorable and beautiful event. He was very friendly and personable, and even offered a few ideas for the ceremony that my husband and I benefited from! The music he played was exactly as I had imagined the music would be for my wedding, and the day couldn't have been more perfect. Mr. Jenkins was dependable and comfortable to plan with from the very beginning up until his departure, and I highly recommend his services to anyone who is planning any kind of event! -- Erin C, Des Moines, IA, 10/15/2011
• Mr. Jenkins did everything we asked of him and more. He did a great job and added much to our son's and our new daughter-in-law's wedding. We would most certainly recommend him. -- Carol M, Iowa City, IA, 3/17/2012

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