James Nova is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a trombonist, composer, and arranger. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1979, Nova grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a music teacher. Nova started playing the trombone when he was in the fourth grade and quickly fell in love with the instrument. Nova's talent for the trombone was evident from an early age, and he began to receive recognition for his skills. He won his first competition when he was in the seventh grade and went on to win several more throughout his high school years. Nova attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan for his senior year of high school, where he studied with Joseph Alessi, the principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic. After graduating from high school, Nova attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Massimo La Rosa, the principal trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Nova earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the institute in 2001 and went on to earn his Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School in 2003, where he studied with Joseph Alessi. Nova's career as a professional trombonist began while he was still a student at the Juilliard School. He was invited to join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as their second trombonist in 2002, and he held that position until 2013. During his time with the orchestra, Nova performed on several recordings and toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. In addition to his work with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Nova has also performed with several other orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist with several orchestras, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Erie Philharmonic, and the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Nova is also an accomplished composer and arranger. He has written several pieces for trombone and has arranged music for brass ensembles and orchestras. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by several orchestras and ensembles, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Brass. Nova has received several awards and honors throughout his career. In 2001, he won the International Trombone Association's Frank Smith Solo Competition, and in 2002, he won the Juilliard School's concerto competition. He was also a finalist in the 2003 International Trombone Association's Donald Yaxley Bass Trombone Competition. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Nova is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at several universities and music schools, including Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. He is currently the trombone professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the principal trombonist of the River City Brass Band. Overall, James Nova is a talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a performer, composer, and teacher. His passion for the trombone and his dedication to his craft have earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading trombonists of his generation.

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