James T. Decker, Associate Professor of Trombone, holds degrees from the Juilliard School, including a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music. He has performed with various ensembles, such as the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra (Principal Trombonist for 17 years), the Britt Festival Orchestra, and the Tucson and New Mexico Symphony Orchestras. As a soloist, Mr. Decker has performed significant works, including Samuel Jones' "Vita Accademica" and John Mackey’s "Harvest Concerto." His commercial career includes collaborations with Wycliffe Gordon, Diana Krall, Michael McDonald, and Ray Charles, among others. Mr. Decker's teaching experience spans elementary to college levels, specializing in trombone, euphonium, jazz, and full symphonic band. His principal teachers include Joseph Alessi, Steve Norrell, and Jim Pugh.