The Conductor

Director James Blough brings the experience of a lifetime of music to the Canton Concert Band. Blough has played trumpet for over 40 years and played professionally as lead trumpet in an 18-piece big band for 15 years. He played and sang in big bands and small jazz groups from Hollywood to Chicago, Lake Geneva and San Diego before settling in the Canton area 20 years ago. Currently his musical activities include running his own small music promotions and booking business serving customers and events in our area, and conducts theater orchestras at the Village Theater.

For Blough, the purpose of the Canton Concert Band is to explore music that is eclectic, but doesn't ignore the traditional.
"The music should be enjoyable, exciting, and draw the audience into the moment," he says. "But most of all, it should be fun... not only for the audience but for the musicians as well."

Blough's vision is to not only encourage the creation of a large concert band, but also add many smaller performing groups to the culture and creative environment of the Canton Community. Performing mainly in the local community, his vision includes extending the performance experience for the members nationally, and even internationally, as much as possible. "Excellence, energy, and enjoyment all add to the color of our lives... which is music."