James A. Beckel

Who is James A. Beckel?

James A. Beckel, Jr. is a contemporary American composer and, as of 2012, principal trombonist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Beckel is an avid composer, having his work The Glass Bead Game: Concerto for Horn and Orchestra nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1997. His compositions have been performed and recorded by the Baltimore, Atlanta, Indianapolis Symphonies, Ft. Wayne Philharmonic, United States Air Force Band, the DC Air Force Orchestra, and many other nationally-recognized orchestras throughout the United States.

Beckel is married, has two children, and is a member of the Carmel Brass Choir. Beckel maintains a trombone and euphonium studio at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.