James Vaughn was instructor of the Double Bass studio at the University of Northern Colorado, retiring after 23 years in 2013.
He has held titled and section positions with the Colorado Springs Symphony, Breckenridge Music Festival, Denver Chamber Orchestra,
Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado and regional orchestras from Pueblo to Cheyenne. He was also a member of the Denver Center Theater
Productions pit orchestra performing on double bass and electric bass guitar. There, he backed entertainment lumineries Jerry Lewis, Tony
Curtis, Tommy Tune, Carol Channing, Suzanne Somers, Keith Carridine and Glenn Close.
As a founding orchestra member of "Inside the Orchestra," he participated in music appreciation outreach programs dedicated to introducing
elementary and preschool aged children to symphonic music throughout the Denver metropolitan region for 25 years.
It is one of his proudest associations.
Memorable moments include Luciano Pavarotti's world tour performance at the [then] Pepsi Center; Phantom of the Opera; appearing on
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg's recording of Tchaikovsky's Concerto for Violin & Orchestra; an emotional Colorado Springs Symphony concert featuring
Yo-Yo Ma on September 11, 2001. Accompaning Manheim Steamroller, Earth, Wind & Fire, Judy Collins. and The Who at Redrocks Amphitheater
were also highpoints.
He resides in Colorado Springs and performs as a substitute bassist with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of the
Springs and as double bass "coach" for the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony.
Professional associations:
International Society of Double Bassists
Denver Musicians Association
Pikes Peak Musicians Association
