James Swearingen is Chair of the Department of Music Education at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. Over 200 of his works have been published, including serveral that have been placed on state concert band contest lists throughout the United States.

Eight of his most popular band compositions, including Novena and Cesford Portrait were recorded on the CS/Sony label by the prestigious Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra under the baton of Frederick Fennell.

In addition, he is a staff arranger for The Ohio State Marching Band and has written arrangements for the marching bands of the University of Clemson, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Utah.

He is an active conductor who travels both nationally and internationally to conduct both his works and those of other contemporary composers for band.