James McNaughton has always enjoyed music. Some of his earliest memories are of listening to Big Band CDs which his parents would play in the car. Age 9 and keen to emulate Woody Herman, he applied to join the school training band hoping to play a Saxophone; only to be sent home with a Baritone covered in dings! Nevertheless, he managed to conjure a reasonable sound from that old Horn and the door soon opened to what has become his great love and occasional obsession: Trombone.

Throughout the school years James played extensively in State ensembles with The Arts Unit, including in both the Schools Spectacular Orchestra and Stage Band. He played and toured with the NSW Schools Jazz Orchestra including performing with Wynton Marsalis in Melbourne for International Jazz Day and in concert with Casey Donovan at Sydney Town Hall. Still in High School he supported the international rock band Foreigner on their Australian orchestral tour, including their performance at the Sydney Opera House.

James completed all AMEB grade exams on Trombone and received the highest rank in HSC Music Extension. He is currently in his final year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying a Bachelor of Music (Performance) on Trombone, with Honours. He is tutored by Scott Kinmont and Nigel Crocker. James regularly performs on Tenor Trombone, including as Principal in the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony. He also enjoys playing the Alto Trombone. In late 2024 he made his debut on Bass Trombone having successfully auditioned for the position of Principal Bass Trombone for the Conservatorium international tour to Japan and Korea. During 2024 James held the position of Trombone intern with Opera Australia.

James is looking forward to returning to Sydney Youth Orchestras this year and is excited to be Principal Bass Trombone in the flagship. He has enjoyed many enriching experiences with SYO, a highlight being the 2019 tour to the UK where he played with the London Symphony Orchestra.

James is a keen athlete. He currently has both an Australian and IAAF ranking on the track for the 800 metres. Long term he aspires to work professionally as an orchestral trombonist.