James de Sousa is excited to be returning to Fort McMurray to direct the City Band for the upcoming 23/24 season. James is an established director who helped reestablish the City Band in 2011. Under his direction, the city band has performed in various concerts across the city and has performed with special guests including Dr. James Sherry and pianist Bang Lang Do. The band has also been a big supporter of the High School Music programs across Fort McMurray with their collaboration in various concerts and has performed and taken part in the local Oilsands Music Festival.
James has been recognized by various music festival adjudicators across the country for his dedication to the importance of band in schools, communities and the connection music has to both the members of the ensemble and their audience. James has received recognition for his service on the Alberta Band Association Board of Directors and was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity in 2019. James is also an accomplished Trumpet Player who has performed with various groups across the country.
James is looking forward to another great year with the Fort McMurray City band and hopes to help the ensemble continue its growth this upcoming season.