Distinguished Performer James McLeod, Sedgwick 2005-2009
James has been described as ‘one of the leading euphonium players of his generation’. He is a Besson musical instrument performing artist, and recently became the Professor of Euphonium at the University of Leeds. He plays exclusively on a Besson Prestige 2052 euphonium.Â
James is from Houghton-Le-Spring, near Durham and began playing baritone at Hetton Lyons Primary School at the age of 8. James was the Principal Euphonium of the inaugural National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain in 2004, and a member of the National Youth Brass Band from 2005-2009. 2005 is also the year James joined Sedbergh School as a music scholar. James enjoyed trips all around the country, and to Slovenia, Austria and France as part of the CCF Band under Alan Lewis, gaining his ATCL and LTCL performance diplomas at the age of 15 – as well as enjoying parts in Sedgwick and Lupton’s joint musical production of Grease, two Sedgwick House pantomimes written by MAFR – and most importantly, performing in the joint Sedbergh and Casterton musical of ‘Oliver’ in 2009, where he met his wife Jemma.
James attended the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, graduating with a first class honours degree, and winning both the Linda Mowat Brass Prize for the best brass soloist, and the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble prize for performing as part of the best small brass ensemble twice. He also played for the Cory Band, recognised as the world’s best brass band – and then the Leyland Band as the Principal Euphonium player. James has represented the UK three times as part of the European Brass Band Championships, and in 2011 won the British Open Brass Band Championships, the most prestigious brass band competition in the world, with the Cory Band. He has also travelled the world as a euphonium soloist and teacher, performing in Thailand, Vietnam, The United Arab Emirates, and all across Europe.
What role did Sedbergh School play in shaping your passion for music and performance?
Alan Lewis, the Sedbergh’s Head of Brass during my time is one of the characters which shaped my life the most. His enthusiasm, straight forward approach, talent as a teacher and a motivator helped me to become a better performer and musician. Sedbergh also gave me the opportunity to try so many artistic endeavors I would not have been afforded if I had not attended. Sedbergh allowed me to be my own person, to try different things as a performer, and gave me so many unique experiences that no other school gives you. The CCF Band performed at the Albertville Festival International de Musique Militaire in 2007 – the only school band in the festival’s history to be featured. Choirs, swing band, Sedgwick House Music nights, organising a fundraising concert for the school’s trip to Malawi – and my proudest achievement – winning “Part Song” in 2009.
How does it feel to contribute to an event that celebrates 500 years of history and legacy at Sedbergh?
I’m honoured to be invited to participate in tonight’s festivities. I love Sedbergh – I studied (loosely used …) there, I’ve worked there on three separate occasions – I met the best man at my wedding there, and through Casterton (when it was a girl’s school!) I met my wife, Jemma. Being able to give the tiniest of things back to the place that shaped my life so much is a privilege I am thrilled to take advantage of. It also gives me the opportunity to reminisce about the people, largely the staff who made such a profound impact on me outside of the musical realm – Guy Ayling, Stephen Hall, Michael Raw, George Aveyard, Brandon Glover, Martin Valentine, Philip Hoskin, Haydn Davies to name but a few.
What advice would you give to current Sedbergh pupils who aspire to follow in your footsteps in the arts?
Do the boring stuff, and learn to love it. Learn your scales, practice the basics, and make them the thing you are best at. And no matter what you are playing, singing, conducting, or composing – make sure that the music is the most important thing. After school nobody cares about your grade 8 or your diploma, they just care about what it sounds like. Make sure that music wins.