We were lucky to catch up with James Beauton recently and have shared our conversation below.

James, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am currently involved in a project that aims to create the first ever live performance of the music from the award-winning Netflix animated series, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Once I learned that this incredible music had never been performed live, I felt inspired to one day bring it to the concert stage however I could.

But why this music, from this show?

Well, if you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. It has a cult following of all ages, despite it being a kids show. Besides being brilliantly written, animated, voiced, and of course scored, its underlying themes are timeless and more of what the world needs right now. It gives me hope for our future that this is the art that our young people are growing up with. And to that, I am humbled and grateful for the small role I have in continuing the celebration of She-Ra through its music.

How can that be then, if the soundtrack exists?

That’s because the show’s composer, Sunna Wehrmeijer, creates her scores in a digital audio workstation (DAW), and those digital sounds are what you hear on the soundtrack (and her sound library is just really good!). I learned of this shortly following the series’ conclusion in May 2020, as there were a number of interviews and spotlights on her work. Since then, the thought of a live orchestration of the She-Ra score weighed on my mind. But there wasn’t much opportunity for a large orchestra project in May (or any of) 2020.

It wasn’t until recently that the stars aligned, so to speak (fans of the show will get that reference). With a vibrant and talented youth orchestra at my disposal, as well as interest and approval from all parties involved, we are now creating a first ever She-Ra Symphonic Suite—a 30 minute work for orchestra and chorus, to be premiered in San Francisco on May 9th and 10th, 2025.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

It’s taken decades to acknowledge or perhaps just admit this to myself, but the most true and simple answer is that I am a musician. One forever on a path to become what I consider the “complete musician.” And I think a lot of musicians are on that same journey, but the end result is different for everyone. Me? I want to do it all—I want to conduct everything from the great symphonic/operatic masterworks to film/vgm scores. I want to bring to life, as a percussionist or otherwise, the works of what I consider to be the “late 20th/21st century canon.” I want to be able to improvise at the piano like Bach, Beethoven, and Bill Evans did, and sight-reduce full orchestral scores with ease. I’d even say I want to compose…someday. And of course, part of this musician’s path is giving back, which comes in the form of teaching and arts education.

The amazing thing is that I am already either doing a lot of this, or working towards it every day. As a conductor, I am the director of orchestra and classical music studies at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, and the music director of the Winchester Orchestra of San Jose. As a percussionist, I perform with the San Francisco Contemporary Music players, and hold the percussion faculty position at San Francisco State University.

Beyond that, there’s a busy schedule of solo recitals, guest teaching, and personal practice that I definitely prioritize over responding to emails!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Well first, I have to think that all people are creative. We just convince ourselves that we’re not because we need rent money, or didn’t get the support at a young age, etc. And I don’t think it’s ever “too late” for anyone to start pursuing creativity in their lives. But you won’t make a living from it immediately — and frankly, if that’s the only or primary goal, then you’re missing something. It’s a hard balance, and you have to be willing to sacrifice a lot to get there. The most successful “creatives” I know are the ones that just didn’t quit. They kept going through the hard times, pursuing their art (or passion) as a priority. Eventually, it gets easier. But definitely at a different rate than the typical—in your words—”non-creative” type.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Educate yourself on the art that artists are making. Don’t just go to a classical music concert. Study an instrument (for fun). Learn about sonata form (so you can actually understand why a Beethoven Symphony is great). We need an informed audience for art to matter, not just donors who want their name on a building.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jamesbeauton.net
• Instagram: @theonlyjamesbeauton
• Youtube: @jamesbeauton

Image Credits

Headshot — Valentina Sadiul — @valentinasadiul
non-screenshot images — Gary Payne — @garypaynephotography