Induction Year: 2016
In his 31 years of leadership of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association
(WMPA), Ulysses James has emphasized the performance of new and exciting musical compositions, supported local and emerging artists, and worked to make musical performances accessible the Alexandria community.
James graduated with honors from Brown University in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in music and was accepted for graduate study at both New England Conservatory and Indiana University. However, Uncle Sam notified him of his draft board’s plans; James joined the Navy. He served as a Regular Naval Officer for 20 years, retiring as a Commander in 1979 after 13 Vietnam campaigns and with five Commendation Medals.
James resumed his music studies in cello and conducting, and soon took the podium at two small community-based ensembles practicing and performing near Alexandria, Virginia. The new conductor grew the ensembles into metropolitan-wide symphonic orchestras while keeping their community service and participation roots.
In May 2011 James passed the baton for the Youth Orchestra to Dr. Henry Sgrecci, remaining music director of Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association and conductor of Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic (WMPA).
Ulysses James’ vision and leadership has guided WMPA’s five year-round programs, which include the WMP ‘Philharmonic’ of auditioned professional, semi-professional and amateur adult musicians performing five concerts in Alexandria and five concerts in Washington, D.C. annually; the 45-50 member Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra for talented high school youth, giving five concerts per year; the 40-45 member Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra for young musicians in grades six to nine, which performs three to four concerts per year; the WMPA Summer Chamber Concerts Series which annually offers 14-16 free concerts at Alexandria’s Lyceum; and the yearly WMPA Composition Competition for new and emerging East Coast composers.
Hundreds of musicians of all ages have had opportunities to display and improve their musical talents with James’ leadership. His musical brilliance, wise guidance, and deep passion for music education have inspired youth and adults as orchestral musicians and sensitive audience members. In 31 years, except for one many years ago, James has never accepted a salary.
James’s passion for the arts is mirrored in civic service. A member of the Alexandria Arts Forum since its founding in 1991, he served as President from 2010 to 2013, strengthening partnerships with Visit Alexandria, (formerly the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association), and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. In 2012 he received the prestigious Alex Arts Award from the Alexandria’s City Council for exceptional contributions to the arts in Alexandria.
Known for his compassionate leadership skills, James is quick to deflect the spotlight from himself, preferring to praise, encourage and mentor those around him.
In James’ own words: “I want to build an audience that looks forward to exploring new music along with the gems of the past. I want to support the musical art of the recent past and the present through performance, and to encourage the creation of music for the future. I also want to build an orchestra that is the finest ‘community orchestra’ in the region, and do it in a way that nurtures and respects every musician and patron who participates in our efforts.”
Alexandria and its arts community will be for years to come, the beneficiaries of Ulysses James’ many years of exemplary leadership and service.
Credit: Larry Ries