James Van Zandt

Professional trombonist James Van Zandt received his Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on music education from The University of Texas at Austin in 1997. A Willie Nelson Presidential Endowed Scholarship recipient, he performed in the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra and served as section leader of the Longhorn Band. In 2001, In 1997 Jamey Van Zandt won a position with the United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC. He served 4 years in this position and was granted a Top Secret Security Clearance for access to the White House and Pentagon. After serving with the United States Air Force, Jamey Van Zandt entered the University of Michigan and obtained his Master of Music in Conducting with a concentration in band/wind ensemble less than two years later. During his graduate education, he assisted in instructing the Michigan Marching Band, co-conducted the University Band, and arranged the entry music for the volleyball and women’s basketball teams. Currently, Jamey Van Zandt performs with the San Antonio Opera and teaches private low brass lessons in Round Rock and Austin. He has functioned as a Freelance Trombonist for almost 15 years, holding musical clinics and performing classical trombone. In the past, Jamey Van Zandt held the position of Longhorn Music Camp Instructor at The University of Texas at Austin, where he taught brass sectionals and helped the band director conduct rehearsals. Jamey Van Zandt also served as Assistant Band Director at Akins High School where he achieved first division ratings and was in charge of development and implementation of the marching fundamentals program. He received an excellence in teaching recognition from the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees. Jamey Van Zandt has played with The United States Air Force Band and the 36th Infantry Division Band of the Texas Army National Guard. In 2007, Jamey Van Zandt returned to The University of Texas at Austin to pursue his Doctor of Music Arts with a concentration in trombone performance. During his free time, he spends time with his son, collects Reference Audio Systems equipment, and carries out community service for the St. Paul Lutheran School Accreditation Team.