Vernon James is a 1973 graduate of the Berklee College of Music. He also studied at the Wilmington Music School and the Christina Cultural Arts Center where he now teaches part time. Mr. James directs one of the University of Delaware jazz bands and also serves as electronic technician for educational services in the Music Department. He currently performs with noted jazz stylist and poet, Gil Scott-Heron. Mr. James has also performed with such names as the Charles Sullivan Big Band, Frank Foster Big Band, Jazz Mobile Big Band and Bernard Purdie. You may also have seen Mr. James on video or film, having appeared in PBS and BBC Television with Gil Scott-Heron, Ozzie Davis and Ruby Dee. Vernon James is also a member of the UD Faculty Jazz Ensemble.