James Harper is the band director at Tumwater Middle School in Tumwater, Washington. He currently teaches 5th Grade Band at MTS, 6th Grade Concert Band, 7th Grade Symphonic Band, 8th Grade Wind Ensemble, 6-8 Beginning Band, and Jazz Band.

Mr. Harper received the Bachelor of Music (Cum Laude) in Music Education from Washington State University in 2007 and the Master of Arts in Band Conducting from the American Band College of SHSU in 2015. Since earning his degrees, Mr. Harper has had the opportunity to guest conduct middle school and high school ensembles across Western Washington. He also has adjudicated and given clinics at numerous festivals and events in the region.

In addition to his demanding teaching schedule, Mr. Harper remains an active performer. He is currently the principal horn with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra and has played with other ensembles throughout the state, including the Washington-Idaho Symphony, Federal Way Symphony, Northwest Wind Symphony, and Washington Wind Symphony.  He also currently plays horn with the Olympia Chamber Brass.

In his (limited) spare time, Mr. Harper enjoys hobbies such as cooking, woodworking, and hiking with his wife Laura and dog Molly.