Jim Bennett

Biography

Jim was educated at Bedford School and studied trumpet at the Royal College of Music (2001 – 2004). He is an experienced performer and educator with extensive experience in both classical, rock and jazz idioms.

Jim has performed with The Senesino Players, The Chiesa Consort and The London Orchestra of Academia, and as a soloist with the Luton Symphony Orchestra and various choral societies in the London and South West areas.

Studio work includes recording for Nickelodeon, Johnny Parry Chamber Orchestra and Buzzard Lope.

Jazz work includes leading and composing for the Jim Bennett Quartet/Quintet and playing with GBH Big Band, Blue Chip and the Bell Street Jazz Band. Residencies include The Belfry in Knightsbridge, The Sun and Doves in Camberwell and Centre Parcs at Longleat.

As an experienced conductor and musical director, Jim’s theatre work includes Faust, The Masque of the Red Death, and The Firebird Ball for Punchdrunk Theatrical Experiences, Guys and Dolls, Into the Woods, West Side Story, and Cabaret.

He is the conductor of Gillingham Imperial Silver Band which recently achieved success at the National Brass Band Championships 2016 as the highest placed West of England band. Jim also conducts the Sherborne Youth Band and steps in to conduct the Sherborne Town Band occasionally. In the past he has conducted the Somerton Festival Band as well as many sectional rehearsals for Bedfordshire Youth Music Service’s holiday courses.

Jim loves to share his passion for music with others by encouraging all students to experience music in all styles and genres.

As a brass teacher and conductor, Jim teaches individual instrumental tuition, conducts brass groups, prepares students for Trinity Guildhall and ABRSM examinations, and runs starter classes for beginners. He also enjoys composing for brass groups and bands. Jim is an experienced choral singer and pianist trained to Grade 8 standard.

Recently he taught at the Shaftesbury branch of Stagecoach and he continues to teach at Clayesmore School and Guildhall Young Artists Taunton where he conducts the orchestra, brass group and jazz band.

To enquire about brass lessons with Jim at GYA Taunton please contact the office on 07754 217993 or email gyataunton@gsmd.ac.uk.