The name "Meridian Ensemble Productions" grew out of the name "Meridian Ensemble" - a musical group I founded in 1988 in Fairfax, CA (just about 15 miles north of San Francisco). The image is of the meridians of the earth and the meridians of the human body (or energetic body) converging at the zenith, or highest point in the heavens, representing to me the harmonious blending of diverse elements. The idea being, through the harmonious blend of diverse cultural musical influences, the concept of world harmony is stengthened and the vision of peace is clarified.

The original musicians in Meridian were:

• Flute and Alto Flute - Randy Mead
• Oboe and English Horn - Brenda Shuman-Post, Chris Ureal
• Violin - Yehudit Lieberman, Jim Hurley
• Cello - Moses Sedler
• Classic Guitar - James Sterritt
• Piano - Katalin Matavovszky
• Acoustic Bass - Jeff Martin
• Percussion - Vince Delgado

The name Meridian is the name I use for this particular orchestration of my compositions. We performed in the Northern California area from the mid to late 80's to the mid 90's and have plans for future performances. I may choose to modify the name at some point in the near future to avoid confussion with other groups named Meridian Ensemble (I beleive there are presently around 5). What's important is the vision and the music.

Meridian Ensemble Productions is the name of my business through which I provide various musical services.

My name is James Sterritt.
I live in San Anselmo, CA.
I was born Nov. 9, 1948 in Morris, Il.

The Basic Music Stuff

I started playing guitar at age 12.
I studied Guitar at Lyon & Healy Chicago.
Wrote my first piece and started performing when I was 15.
Started teaching guitar at age 16.
Started training combos around age 17.
My main interest through my teens was in jazz, although I also played in a rock group here and there.

I Majored in Theater/Music Composition at Columbia College in Chicago (1970-75).

Studies included :

• Theory and Sight Singing
• 16th Century Counterpoint
• 18th Century Counterpoint
• Composition
• 20th Century Composition
• Jazz band Orchestration
• Symphonic Orchestration
• Classic Guitar
• Theater Movement
• Directing
• Dance
• And other related subjects

While at Columbia, I studied composition and orchestration with William Russo and Robert Lumbardo.

In 1970 I took a course in Classic Guitar with the idea of getting some right hand fingering technique. I was playing in a jazz-rock group at that time, arranging for trumpet, saxes, and trombone, and I thought the classical technique would make it easier for me to play 3 parts simultaneously. I then, quite unexpectantly, fell in love with the Classic Guitar and have been playing it ever since.

I also worked in theater as a music director and a choral arranger durring this time. And I taught guitar at music store in Riverdale Il.

From 76-79 I worked as an accompanist and played in jazz ensembles.

In 1979 I left Chicago and moved to Boulder, Co. It was around that time that things started to click for me creatively ; That is, when I started writing the music I wanted to write. I found myself leaning more toward the classic guitar and writing a lot for winds and strings. I was fortunate enough to meet some very fine musicians with interests similar to mine. This gave me the opportunity to experiment with orchestration in a way that I was never able to do in Chicago.
 
In Boulder I met Benjy Wertheimer, a Tabla and Esraj player. We formed a friendship, shared some musical ideas, and did a number of performances. We formed a group consisting of, Violin, Bassoon, French Horn, Classic and Electric guitars, bass, tabla and esraj. From Bengy I learned much about Northern Indian music which I incorporated into my own music vocabulary. Also, While in Boulder I:

• Worked the Colorado Renaissance Fair as an accompaniest and Classic Guitar Soloist
• Did a series of concerts with the Colorado Center for New Musical Resources
• Formed an ensemble with Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, violin, Guitar, Piano, and Bass.
• Played number of restaurant gigs or Classic Guitar brunches,
• Taught lessons privately

In around 1982 I lived in Seattle for a year. I had a trio Flute, Classic Guitar, and a person who doubled on celo and bass. We played classical and jazz pieces and performed at cafes, restaurants, and business events.

I came down to Marin County California around 1983 and am still here today. I had a couple of performance ensembles together here before Meridian and also have been involved in a number of theatrical productions.

Local Theatrical Credits Include:

A Midsummer Night's Dream ( 4 productions )
  • Composed and Directed Music
  • Did Sound

Lysistrada
  • Composed and Directed Music
  • Performed music with Flute, Oboe, Guitar, Bass, and Percussion.

The Tempest
  • Composed and Produced Music

The Lorax
  • Directed Music

The Toad of Toad Hall
  • Directed And Produced Music
  • Did Sound

Other Performance Credits

I've also performed at Weddings, Art Shows, Wine Tastings, and other events and continue to do so today.