James Shearer--tuba

James Shearer holds a D.M.A. in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He teaches tuba, euphonium, music history and music appreciation to both graduate and undergraduate students at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. In addition, he presents concerts, master classes, lectures, and has writtenarticles as a Yamaha Performing Artist. An active soloist, Dr. Shearer has appeared throughout the United States in solo recitals and as a guest artist with various wind ensembles and orchestras. In the fall of 1991, Dr. Shearer traveled to Switzerland as a participant in the 47th Concours International d'Execution Musicale. He has also toured Japan as a member of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, playing concerts and recording a compact disc for the Sony Classical Label. He is a former pricipal tubist with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and a current member of the El Paso Brass.

Equally at home in a jazz setting, Jim can be heard on recordings with the ITEC Jazz All-Stars,El Paso Brass, Creole Jazz Band, Steve Smith, and Mike Kornich. His jazz tuba playing has been featured in several live performances for National Public Radio. Shearer's latest band, Django, is preparing for the release of their debut CD.

Dr. Shearer also acts as advertising coordinator for TUBAonline, the online site of the Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association.