Applications are still open for Arts Camp and Arts Academy. Programs fill quickly—submit your app today!
James VanDenmark
About James
Acclaimed as one of the leading performers on the double bass, James VanDemark has performed as soloist with the New York Philharmonic, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Grant Park Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony, Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, National Symphony of Mexico, Netherlands Radio Symphony and many other orchestras throughout the world. VanDemark is also the recipient of commissions from three Pulitzer-Prize winning composers: Christopher Rouse, Joseph Schwantner, and Gian-Carlo Menotti. VanDemark's chamber music appearances include such groups as the Guarneri, Cleveland, Muir, Ying, Orford, and Colorado Quartets, as well as the Gryphon Trio, Vienna Schubert Trio, Los Angeles Piano Quartet, violinist Yehudi Menuhin, and pianists Alfred Brendel and Gary Graffman. Professor of double bass at the Eastman School of Music since 1976, VanDemark's students hold positions in many of the world's great orchestras and teaching appointments at major music schools.
VanDemark is also an accomplished amateur boxer, and has been featured on ESPN, Fox Sports and in the Wall Street Journal for the boxing and conditioning program that he established at the Eastman School of Music with legendary boxing coach Dominic Arioli.