William James: The Modern Life of an Orchestral Percussionist

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with William James, Principal Percussionist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. We talk about his journey through the world of orchestral percussion, from early influences and summer programs to the high-pressure world of auditions. Will shares thoughtful insights on what it takes to succeed as a modern percussionist, both musically and administratively.We dig into the evolving expectations placed on orchestral players, the challenges of recording and venue acoustics, and how creativity, flexibility, and technology are reshaping the field. We also reflect on the importance of great teachers, the value of building a strong repertoire, and the ongoing role education plays in both our lives.Will’s passion for percussion extends far beyond performance—he’s a dedicated educator, chamber musician, and author. His contributions to the percussion community have had a lasting impact, and I was grateful for the opportunity to delve deeper into his story.About William James: William James is the Principal Percussionist of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. He won the position at just 25, following studies at Northwestern University and the New England Conservatory. A versatile performer and educator, Will has played with top orchestras across the country, given solo recitals, taught masterclasses nationwide, and authored The Modern Concert Snare Drum Roll. You can learn more about William at: williamjamespercussion.comMusic from the Episode:Scirocco (Michael Burritt)Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at [email protected] theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.