ABBA

Multi-instrumentalist who attended Catholic University of America and Florida State University and acquired Bachelor of Science degree in math and Masters and Doctoral degrees in trombone. He also plays bass trumpet and euphonium.

From 1968 to 1972, he played in the United States Navy Band and then became a member of the New Orleans Philharmonic. He remained with them until 1976, when he joined the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.

In the early ‘90s, he appeared on Light’s Glittering Morn: A Musical Celebration. Another recording that boasts his name in the credits is The American Brass Band Journal.

He has served on the board of directors and faculty of MasterWorks since 1997.

In March 2000, he premiered the “Trombone Concerto” of Patrick Kavanaugh with the U.S. Army Orchestra in the nation’s capital.

He was one of the artists involved in the NSO’s North Dakota Residency in the spring of 2003 and made stops at North High School in Fargo, South Fargo High School, Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck, the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

In May 2004, he played bass trumpet in the NSO’s performance of “The Ring Without Words”, with music of Richard Wagner arranged by Maestro Lorin Maazel.

He left the NSO in 2005 and became the Assistant Dean of the School of Music at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. He has also taught as American University, Catholic University of America, Howard University, and the University of Maryland at College Park. His students have included Steve Kellner, Zenas Kim, David Sciannella, Jeremy Smith, Steve Suter, and Ryan Webber.

Dr. James Kraft is a life member of the International Trombone Association.

Paul Hill Chorale recordings

O Come All Ye Faithful (Frederick Oakeley/John Francis Wade)

Arranger – Jackson Berkey

Conductor – Paul Hill

Organist – Sondra Proctor

National Capital Brass and Percussion Ensemble

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