James Babor

James Babor serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Winds & Percussion program at the Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California. A member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1993, he performs regularly with the orchestra and its Green Umbrella Series for contemporary music, and has appeared with the Cleveland Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, and Seattle Symphony.

He holds a Bachelor of Music from Texas A&M University, Commerce and a Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying under Richard Weiner, Paul Yancich, Cloyd Duff, and Doug Howard.

Professor Babor specializes in percussion performance with deep expertise in orchestral repertoire and contemporary classical works. His notable solo performances include Messiaen's 'Des Canyons Aux Etoles' under Esa Pekka Salonen and Gustavo Dudamel, and Jennifer Higdon's Percussion Concerto during USC's 2012 'Visions and Voices' initiative.

He actively contributes to music education through master classes at institutions including the New England Conservatory, Royal Conservatory, and San Francisco Conservatory, and presents clinics at the Percussive Arts Society convention. Babor endorses Remo Orchestral, Pearl/Adams Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, and Freer Percussion Products.