James Kessler

James Kessler (b. 1 February 1947, McKeesport, Penn.) is an American composer and arranger. Mr. Kessler graduated from Taylor Allerdice High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and then attended the Eastman School of Music. After graduation in 1969, he joined the U.S. Army Band, where he served arranger for 20 years. He was later named head librarian and chief arranger of the band. Mr. Kessler has written works for National Geographic, the Kennedy Center Honors, various PBS Specials, as well as numerous performances of the National Symphony Orchestra.