James Villani returns to the podium for his sixth season as conductor and music director of the symphony.  As a long-time strong advocate for continuing adult music education and volunteerism in the arts, Mr. Villani has been involved in community musical organizations since coming to Northern Virginia in 1986. He was associate conductor and clarinetist for the Reston Chamber Orchestra for 10 years, and has been involved with countless other area performances. He is an active judge and clinician for local music festivals and competitions. He is a member of the League of American Orchestras and the Conductors Guild.

Mr. Villani received a Master of Music in Conducting from Northwestern University, where he studied conducting with John P. Paynter and was a graduate assistant for the university wind ensembles. Mr. Villani was also a student of Clark Brody, principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Fritz Reiner, and Alan Stout, a renowned contemporary composer. A native of New Castle, PA, he earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Clarinet and Music Education from Penn State University and taught in the public schools of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia. Mr. Villani is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Northern Virginia Community College. In addition, he is a Software Development Manager at ASSETT, Inc., in Manassas. He and his wife, Kathy, live with their children in Gainesville.