Our Musical Director 

The Invicta Jazz Orchestra is thrilled to announce the appointment of James Brown as its new Musical Director, a position he was voted into by the band in September 2025. James will be continuing the excellent work of James Bolton King and Scott Jenkins before him.

A native of Peterborough, James’ musical journey began as a talented trumpet player. His passion led him to pursue formal studies in music at Canterbury Christ Church University, where he was an organ scholar and continued on to a masters in conducting, which has laid a strong foundation for his diverse career.

James brings a uniquely broad perspective to the orchestra, fuelled by a lifelong love of both jazz and choral music. His appreciation of a wide variety of musical genres promises an exciting exploration of repertoire and performance styles for the Invicta Jazz Orchestra as well as enabling James to support the band by conducting as well as playing trumpet and keyboard - though not always at the same time!

He first joined the orchestra as a member in 2023, quickly establishing himself within the group. His expertise encompasses a wide range of jazz styles, ensuring the orchestra's sound remains fresh, dynamic, and musically adventurous. James’s approach is to enable players to play beyond their expectations, taking the music to a different level. 

We look forward to a vibrant new chapter under James' leadership!

Backstory

The Invicta Jazz Orchestra started in the 1990s as part of Kent Music School, and included a young Scott Jenkins on the saxophone. Scott later became the Musical Director and moved the band away from Kent Music. 

Scott spent 3 years at Middlesex  University Studying a BA in Music (Jazz) and followed years of music teaching. He served several years with the Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra and his work with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra led him down the funk and fusion line. He now continues to play professionally with various groups.

Scott Jenkins was Musical Director of the Invicta Jazz Orchestra until 2023 and throughout the years, the band performed regularly at different venues across Kent as well as taking tours to the Marlborough Jazz Festival, Arras, France, the Netherlands and Dinant, Belgium.  

James Bolton King became our Musical Director in 2023 after a year and a half as the bands Assistant MD. James pushed the band to work on more complex pieces, which the band have thrived to the challenge. James has introduced an eclectic range of new music for the band’s repertoire, including arranging two early ‘90s rave classics adding a jazz flair. James moved to Southampton in the Summer of 2025, leaving the band in good shape for our new MD.

What People Said About Us

“…The Invicta Jazz Orchestra were quite fantastic – probably the best sounds and music I have heard on the bandstand for some time…the audience was one of the largest we have had. Quite brilliant! We want you back…” 

“…you were absolutely first class and totally brilliant, and I keep getting that said from everyone who was in the area and saw you…” 

“…Thank you – you were absolutely brilliant and could not think of a better way to finish the Gala…” 

Please contact us if you would like more information or a chat about booking us for your event…