St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Principal Percussionist Will James talks about his current job (01:45), performing with the New World Symphony (05:50), the STL Symphony audition process and winning the job (19:35), day-to-day symphony work and being on the other side of the audition process (31:45), money, audience size, and cancellations (37:35), working at Mizzou (45:15), growing up in Raleigh, NC (47:10), his sports background and Duke affiliation (51:40), his undergrad career at Northwestern (58:50), his graduate work at New England Conservatory of Music (01:06:00), and his tolerance for my Random-Ass Questions (01:12:15).

Finishing with a rave on the local Roots, Blues and BBQ Festival (01:19:50).

Links:

Will James' homepage

Will James' St. Louis Symphony page

Will James' Signature Snare Drum

STL Symphony cancels concert