An alumnus of the Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and Glenn Miller big bands, Jim Widner is celebrating his "20th" year of hosting summer camps all across the United States.  As a bassist with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Jim was strongly influenced and motivated by Kenton’s dedication to young student musicians.  He was a faculty member of the Kenton camps for 10 years and helped Stan organize and expand his camps from California to other locations across the United States. 

A graduate of the University of Missouri, Jim also holds an MA degree from Memphis State University and has done postgraduate work at the University of North Texas.  Jim has performed at the world famous Lionel Hampton and Montreaux Jazz Festivals. His performance background includes concert dates with Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Mulgrew Miller, Louis Bellson, Randy Brecker, Bill Watrous, Marilyn Maye, and an appearance before former President Bill Clinton.  Jim also serves as guest conductor for numerous All-State Jazz Bands. In 1999, students at the University of Missouri-Columbia, renamed the music wing of the fine arts residential college, "Widner House," in honor of him. In April of 2006 Jim was inducted into The Statesmen of Jazz.. 

Currently Jim is Artist in Residence/Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri - St. Louis and is a Yamaha performing artist. His jazz camps are spearheaded by members of the Jim Widner Big Band which records on the Chase Music Group Label.  Their critically acclaimed CD’s include "Yesterdays and Today," "Body and Soul," "Live," and "Flying High". Their newest CD "OUT OF THIS WORLD" will be realeased in the Spring of 2007 .