ABOUT THE ARTIST James Pacanowski III, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
James was born on Halloween day in 2001. From the day he was born, James had a love for music. From the shows he watched to the toys he played with; James was a special and unique child. His love of music continued as he entered school and by the time he hit 4th grade he picked up his first clarinet and he was a natural. During his middle school days, he garnered skills in Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, and Tenor Saxophone. A huge accomplishment for such a young man. He was honored in 2014, 2015, and 2016 with inclusion to the “South Jersey Junior High School Band” ensembles as either first or second chair. As James moved on to High School his love for music never wavered. As a member of Mainland Regional High School in Linwood NJ, James took full advantage of every music opportunity. He played in both Concert, ensembles, and jazz bands. Music was his passion, and he spent every day in some type of music endeavor. As a member of the Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles, James was honored to be a part of the Atlantic Cape Honor Band in 2018 and 2019. He was a member of the South Jersey Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Bands in 2018, 2019 and 2020. James was also inducted into the Tri-M Music society in 2017 and won the prestigious John Phillips Sousa Award for the best musician in 2019-2020 for his Senior Year. James was also a member of the Mainland Regional High School Marching band where he played Tenor Saxophone. He was a proud member of the band in 2019 when the band was crowned New Jersey State and Regional Champions as well as the Atlantic Coast Champions within the Tournament of Bands. This was the first time Mainland won this award as they went undefeated during the year. James went onto college during the height of the Covid epidemic. While he applied and was accepted to all his college choices, West Chester University was always his first choice. He jumped right into his college experience and has been a proud member of the West Chester Incomparable Marching Band each of his four years playing Tenor and Alto Saxophone. As a member of the Marching Band, James joined West Chester as they marched for the first time in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2024. James has also been a member of the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Orchestra, and Student Quintet playing both Clarinet and Bass Clarinet. Every day is music to James. James is proficient in Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Baritone, and others. In his free time, you can find James playing his instruments, going for walks on the beach or just relaxing at home with his friends or family. He enjoys watching comedy movies including his favorite movie called “SuperBad.” He is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. It is his goal to share his passion for music with his students and to be a college professor in the future.