James Ackley studied trumpet with James Darling (Cleveland Orchestra, retired), Michael Sachs (principal of the Cleveland Orchestra), Mary Squire (principal of the Ohio Chamber Orchestra, retired) and Eugene Blee (principal of the Cincinnati Symphony, retired). Ackley has also performed with the Charleston Symphony (substitute principal), Moscow State Radio Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Bogota Philharmonic, the Cincinnati Symphony, and many others. As a soloist and recitalist, he has performed in more than 30 countries and in the most famous concert halls in the world. He is a member of the award winning Bala Brass Quintet, with a premiere recording due late 2013. Ackley has recorded several solo CDs to critical acclaim: Recital Music for Trumpet (Claronade Records 2005), Lirico Latino (MSR Classics 2007), Tromba Mundi (MSR CLassics 2009), .Gabriel (Beauport Classics 2010), Eternal Source of Light Divine (Accord Records 2011) and New American Music for Trumpet (Beauport Classics 2012). A champion of new music, Ackley has commissioned well over 40 works for trumpet, including an opera and a ballet in which he also had world premiere recordings. Mr. Ackley is a Yamaha Performing Artist and Clinician, performing exclusively on Yamaha trumpets.