James Sparling

James Sparling attended Kettering Fairmont High School in Kettering, OH.  After graduating, he began attending the University of Cincinnati as an Architecture/Interior Design double major with a minor in Business Administration.  Three years later, James decided to pursue a degree in Music Education with a minor in Architecture at Miami University.  While at Miami, he has performed with nearly all possible ensembles.  He has been heavily involved in the world music ensemble, Global Rhythms, where he has served as Percussion Coordinator and Arranger for three years.  This ensemble has led him to perform and work with several Grammy winners, Ghatam Khartick's heARTbeat, Musafir, and Anthony Cirone.  Of most recent note, this percussion section performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, CA alongside Indian film composer A.R. Rahman.

He has taught marching percussion and privately at tri-state high schools for six years and is currently working with Carroll High School from Dayton, OH.  He has marched tenors with Trinity Indoor Percussion Ensemble (2000), Music City Mystique (2001, WGI World Champions), Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2001), Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2002), and RhythmX Indoor Percussion Ensemble (2003-2004). He served on the percussion staff for the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2003), the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2004-2006) and currently works with Spirit of America (2006-Present) as visual designer, and RhythmX (2004-Present).  James is thrilled to be with Lee Beddis and the Carolina Crown and looks forward to a very successful summer tour!!!