James Norton

Jim Norton began playing trumpet at the age of 11.  His teachers, Bill Garton, Joe DiMenna, Tony Marchione, John Thyhssen and Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, each contributed to his life-long love of the instrument and its many nuances.  Mr. Norton performed his first solo, Leroy Anderson’s Buglers Holiday, when he was in the seventh grade.  "My sister, Barbara accompanied me on the piano.  She was a great inspiration to me," Mr. Norton said.

For the past 23 years, Mr. Norton has played at various theaters in the area, as well as at several high school musicals.  In 1987, he joined the Tri-County Symphonic Band.  Five years later, in 2002, Mr. Norton joined the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey.  In 2004, he became the orchestra’s principal trumpet.

Mr. Norton has taught at the Pennsville High School Music Academy for six years.  Since 1997, he also has been the fanfare trumpeter at the Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees, New Jersey.  When not playing, Mr. Norton works as a sales representative for a convenience store distributor.  He is the proud father of a son, Chris.  Mr. Norton, his wife, Becky, and their three cats make their home in Pitman.