My name is James Jeffery. I’m an eighteen-year old organist, pianist, and composer from New Haven, Connecticut.
With the Hopkins School Orchestra, Yale Battell Chapel, New Haven, Conn.
Currently, I am studying Organ Performance at the Eastman School of Music Previously employed as the Interim Director of Music at Calvary St. George’s Episcopal Church, Bridgeport, CT, as assistant organist at First United Church of Christ, Congregational in Milford CT and as a substitute organist across the New Haven and Fairfield counties.
Repertoire and Performance
Trained classically in piano for twelve years and organ for five. My organ repertoire includes varied works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Franck, Widor, Buxtehude, and Langlais. Currently hold AGO service playing certification and employed at Christ Church Episcopal, Rochester NY
Choral Leadership and Accompaniment
I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from a number of great choral directors throughout my church and school life. I am in regular demand as an accompanist in live performance and in the studio, with a reputation for learning music quickly by ear or from sheet music. I have also served for a time as rehearsal and service leader and accompanist of the children’s choir at the First UCC Milford, Conn.
Composition and Improvisation
My greatest passions lie in the creation of original music. I have written several pieces for organ and piano as well as orchestra and band; most recently a full-length swing musical. A spirited improviser, I can usually be found at the piano recording memos.
Performances
Hommage a Frescobaldi: Epilogue pour Pedale- Jean Langlais. Recorded January 2022
Composition
“The Fire of Notre Dame”, an original piece for orchestra, as performed from the individual homes of the Hopkins Orchestra in May 2020. New Haven, Conn.
Mission
I am dedicated to an ongoing discovery and growth of a socially, culturally, and spiritually engaged musical vision and development of personal leadership qualities that will enable me to pursue my vocation: serving as a vital leader fostering a vibrant, relevant, and sustainable music program at a program size or resource size church.
Other Pursuits
Studio recording session of a pop composition, “Dear Violet”
November 2020