James (Max) is experiencing a "flash-back" with the production of The Pirates of Penzance this year; however, he is seeing the show from a much different perspective. In the 1998 production, he was in front of the stage as the Musical Director, but this year on the stage. A change he enjoys!

Max was born in South Point, Ohio, U.S.A. He and his wife, Cledith, came to Canada in 1961. This is his 8th year with The Scarborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society -- the first two as Musical Director. He has served on its Executive for four years -- the last two as President.

Music has always been an important part of his life, both vocal and instrumental. In high school, he was in band and choral groups. For five years he competed as a soloist and in ensemble groups at the State level. In Canada, he directed the Chorus while on staff at Great Lakes Christian College in Beamsville. In Meaford, he formed the Meaford Kiwanis Youth Chorus during the town's centennial, 1974, and directed the group until it disbanded in 1980. In Meaford, he sang high tenor in a gospel quartet, "The King's Couriers".