Musician First Class James L. Hurd, USN
Clarinetist, Naval Academy Band

Musician First Class James Hurd hails from East Meadow, New York, and graduated from East Meadow High School in 1995. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance from the Manhattan School of Music in 1999. His principal teachers were Charles Russo, William Kerr, Isidore Cohen, Henry Schuman, and Stephen Taylor.

While at the Manhattan School of Music, MU1 Hurd performed in the premier student orchestra as well as the Contemporary Music Ensemble. He has performed under the baton of such prominent conductors as Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Zdenek Mácal, Sergiu Commissiona, and Kurt Masur.

In 1999, MU1 Hurd auditioned and was selected as clarinetist with the U.S. Naval Academy Band where he performs in the concert band, marching band, chamber winds, clarinet quartet, and ceremonial units. He also serves as Supply Assistant, Leading Petty Officer of the marching band, and Assistant Drum Major.

MU1 Hurd has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (2 awards), National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

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