James Pannell began playing trombone at age ten when his mother signed him up for band against his will. Since the first band rehearsal, Pannell has benefited from a life of music that has introduced him to more people, places, and flavors than a native of Georgia would ordinarily receive. Pannell maintains a full schedule as a trombonist in the SF Bay Area in addition to working full time as a music educator and completing a doctorate in education. He has performed with symphonies and chamber ensembles under the batons of Kurt Masur, George Manahan, Dave Brubeck, Fred Mills, Marc Gould, and Marius Stieghorst among others. Pannell’s principal teachers include Phil Jameson, Steve Norrell, and David Finlayson. In his free time he enjoys running and drinking coffee, but not necessarily at the same time.