Biography

Jim Walker, senior lecturer, winds and percussion, graduated with honors from the University of Louisville and went on to play in the United States Military Academy Band at West Point. He subsequently studied with Harold Bennett and eventually won the associate principal flute position with the Pittsburgh Symphony in 1969. Eight years later he became principal flutist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and began working simultaneously in the recording studios for jazz/pop sessions, television and motion pictures. In 1980, Mr. Walker formed Free Flight, a jazz/classical quartet, resulting in four Tonight Show appearances, 10 recordings, most recently Free Flight 2000 on CMP, and annual tours. He is a member of the Vivace Board of Advisors, a Yamaha Performing Artist and a master teacher for the New World Symphony. His recent publication The Young Artist Series I-VI (Warner Brothers Publications) is reflective of his continuing emphasis on flute education. In addition to being coordinator of flute at the Thornton School, Mr. Walker travels extensively giving clinics and master classes around the world.