Senior Chief Musician Jim Hurd

Clarinet ~ Bass Clarinet

Senior Chief Musician Jim Hurd hails from East Meadow, New York, and graduated from East Meadow High School in 1995. He earned a Bachelor of Music 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, 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, Hurd auditioned and was selected as clarinetist with the U.S. Naval Academy Band where he performs with the marching band and ceremonial units, wind ensemble, chamber winds, and clarinet quartet. He also serves as Band Operations Division Leading Chief Petty Officer and USNA Command Fitness Leader.

Hurd's awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), the Navy Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, and the Armed Forces Service Medal.