James Ferree became the Principal Horn of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2024, and in the same year became the newest member of the American Horn Quartet.

With horn playing described by the Star Tribune as "deliciously mellow," "captivating," and "standout," Ferree previously served as Principal Horn of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony. He appeared as Guest Principal Horn with orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Utah Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, and more. Notable engagements include serving as Guest Principal on NY Phil's 2023 Asia Tour and Guest Associate Principal on LA Phil's 2016 New York-Europe Tour. He has been featured as soloist with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, Masterworks Festival, Music in the Mountains, New World Symphony, and the Juilliard School.

A passionate composer/arranger, Ferree continues the American Horn Quartet’s tradition of expanding the horn quartet repertoire. His compositions and arrangements enjoy performances across the US and Europe, with notable premieres by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, Salt Bay Chamberfest, horn soloist David Jolley, and others. In 2022, following the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra's commission and premiere of his chamber orchestra arrangement of Bach's Goldberg Variations, the SPCO brought the hour-long work on tour to the Bravo Vail Music Festival.

An Atlanta native, Ferree began piano studies at age 8. As an 11-year-old choir boy singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Robert Shaw, he stood behind the horns and was mesmerized. He soon began playing the horn and studied with Richard Deane. A timely family move to Germany allowed him to study with horn legend Hermann Baumann, followed by bachelor's and master’s degrees at Juilliard with Jerome Ashby and William Purvis. After graduation, he joined the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas.

Ferree was a member of the Verbier Festival in Switzerland for six seasons. He has given masterclasses across the US and was Interim Adjunct Professor of Horn at Virginia Commonwealth University.