At the invitation of eighth music director Sir Georg Solti, James Ross became a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1979 and performed thousands of concerts with the ensemble, both at its home in Symphony Center and in literally every corner of the globe. In addition, he has been a soloist with the Orchestra and has also frequently participated in various chamber and new music ensembles.
Ross is a longtime and devoted teacher, having given clinics and masterclasses at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention as well as colleges and conservatories throughout the United States and abroad. He was a coach for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and on the percussion faculty at the Eastman School of Music.
After 45 years of service to the Orchestra, Ross retired in 2024.
