James Ancona

James Ancona is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Delaware's School of Music, serving as Assistant Director of the Marching Band and Co-Director of the Symphonic Band. He holds a Master of Music from Indiana University and teaches percussion performance and composition.

With over 30 years of experience in drum corps instruction, Ancona has worked with world-class ensembles including the Boston Crusaders, Santa Clara Vanguard, and The Cavaliers. His arrangements were featured in the Tony and Emmy award-winning show Blast!

Publications include percussion education texts (Up Front: A Complete Resource for Today's Pit Ensemble) and six poetry collections exploring themes of family, nature, and performance. His creative work blends rhythmic precision with personal narrative.