Jim Kirby

Clarinet

Bass Clarinet

Alto Saxophone

E-mail: kirbyjim@gmail.com Telephone: (406)458-6569

Jim Kirby's musical training began with fifth grade school band, playing clarinet. His love of music led to a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Clarinet, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.

Jim plays clarinet and bass clarinet with the Helena Symphony Orchestra. Experiences as musician and educator include service as band director in the schools of Yorktown and Newport News, Virginia. Concert band, orchestra, and chamber music ensembles are favorites. Indulging in music, and helping others learn, are driving forces in Jim's life.

Jim emphasizes a firm foundation in instrumental technique, enhanced by supporting ventures into music theory, music history, and the fine points of practice procedure and mental focus. All this is aimed at helping each student to better experience the adventure of making music.

Infected at an early age with the flying bug in addition to music, Jim has professional credentials as musician, pilot and flight instructor, and is currently employed by the Federal Aviation Administration. He believes the high levels of love, dedication, enthusiasm, and attention to detail needed to excel in these seemingly dissimilar fields actually make then compatible and similar.

Jim is ready and eager to begin serving your music education needs.