WMPA Music Director Hits a High Note

Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association Music Director Ulysses S. James has led three orchestras through nearly three decades of performances and rehearsals.

James, 76, served in the Navy for two decades following his graduation from Brown University in 1958. He moved to Mount Vernon in 1977 with his wife and three children when he was stationed at Navy Yard. After serving as a surface warfare naval officer, James left the Navy in 1979. He had a second career as an organizational management development coordinator and was drawn back to music. James had been a trombonist while earning his music degree at Brown; years later, he picked up the cello.

In 1984, he took over the Mount Vernon Youth Orchestra and the Mount Vernon Orchestra after conductor H. Stevens Brewer was killed in a car accident. James spent most of his time rebuilding those orchestras during the first few years of his tenure, and in 1987, the orchestras became part of the nonprofit Mount Vernon Orchestra Association.

“The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association had some growing pains,” recalled James.

Membership in all three orchestras has grown considerably over the last two decades. The Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra has grown from 15 members to around 60 from across the area. The Concert Orchestra was established four years ago for talented young musicians and has grown from 12 members to 25. The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, its adult orchestra, has grown from 20 to 60 members.

“They are moving along in terms of size,” James said.

Another big change for the orchestras is the caliber of musicians who perform in all three orchestras.

“The proficiency of musicians, especially the adult orchestra, has improved steadily over the last 20 years,” James said. “Most people who come to hear us think we’re a professional orchestra.”

Only 17 members of the Washington Philharmonic Orchestra are paid a small service fee, James said.

What truly sets the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra apart from other orchestras is that inside and outside politics typically experienced in other orchestras are not tolerated in any of its three orchestras, especially in the youth orchestras.

“The thing that sets us apart is the emphasis on challenging music and the de-emphasis on unnecessary competition,” said James. “The reason kids thrive is the joy of making music that is challenging in a way where the focus is on making music instead of worrying about keeping their chair. We don’t have that problem and I won’t tolerate it.”

In 2004, the Mount Vernon Orchestra Association changed its name to the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association and moved from Mount Vernon to the City of Alexandria. The move came after it appeared that the orchestras weren’t making headway in the Mount Vernon area.

“Alexandria is a better and more suitable place to call home,” said James. The orchestras now rehearse and perform at Episcopal High School and Bishop Ireton High School.

Like many orchestras, the biggest challenge facing the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association is funding.

“The future looks bright as long as we can find ways to provide a stable structure for the future,” James remarked.

The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association is dabbling in social media as part of its marketing strategy. Its Facebook page has 167 likes and its Twitter page has a small following. The association has had to compete with other local arts organizations, and competition for funds is fierce.

“Marketing is key,” James stressed.

The Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and Concert Orchestra will perform at Bishop Ireton High School this Sunday. Click here for tickets and information.