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James Jeter credits Paris roots
By Krista Goerte
Published July 9, 2009
Freelance bassoonist James Jeter may be a long way from his Paris roots, but even now as a successful musician in New York City, he has never forgotten where he got his start.
Innate talent, a solid musical education and encouraging teachers helped Jeter on his musical journey, which has allowed him to travel all over the world. Now as a freelance bassoonist, he plays frequently but is also giving back some of what he has been taught throughout the years to the younger generation.
He grew up taking piano lessons as a young child from local Paris teachers, but his musical focus changed once he reached junior high. It was at that point he met two of the people who would shape much of his life — Irene and Floyd Weger. At that time, in the mid 1960s, Irene was a music teacher at Crockett Junior High and Floyd at Paris High School.
“She (Irene) pretty much gave us the fundamentals, and Floyd polished what she set up,” Jeter said. “It was just a great music program they had. So many great musicians came from Paris while they were teaching.”
Jeter started his band years at Paris High as an alto saxophone player, but said Floyd realized how serious he was about classical music — a genre without many classical pieces for the alto saxophone. Solo classical music for the bassoon, however, was plentiful, and combined with the fact that Floyd needed a bassoonist in the band, he convinced Jeter to pick up the instrument.
“At first I hated it,” Jeter said. “I didn’t realize what a gift he was giving me.”
Jeter said it wasn’t long before he realized he had the mouth structure to play the double-reeded instrument, and he learned to love it.
Floyd also served as band director for the Paris Municipal Band at the time, where Jeter played from 1963 to 1967. Jeter said Floyd was supportive even after he moved from Paris.
“He taught you more than music,” Jeter said. “He was a real friend and a character builder, and I think all the students came out better for his caring.”
After leaving Paris, Jeter attended Lamar State University on a full music scholarship. He transferred from there to the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music. From there, he entered The Juilliard School, a prestigious music school in New York, earning a master of music degree. In 2000, Jeter went back to school at the State University of New York-Stony Brook where he earned his doctorate of musical arts.
During his distinguished career, Jeter has traveled as far as Italy and Switzerland. His venues have included the Westfield Symphony in New Jersey and St. Cecilia Orchestra in New York City, the Metropolitan Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, Alvin Ailey Dance Co., New York City Symphony, Colorado Music Festival, Twentieth Century Unlimited in Santa Fe, N.M., Double Entendre Ensemble and various Broadway musicals and orchestras in New York and New Jersey.
“It’s been a gift for me because I’ve gotten to travel all over the world because of this silly instrument,” he laughed.
During the summer, he serves as a teacher at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in western Michigan. He said his days at the camp remind him of Paris Municipal Band days and his great experience growing up in the Paris area.
He also serves as adjunct faculty at the Calhoun School and periodically substitute teaches at the Mannes School of Music Prep Division, both in New York City.
“I am trying to give the kids back a little of what Floyd taught me,” Jeter said.
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