Newmont's Director, Dr. James Chesebrough, received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, and his subsequent degrees in conducting from the University of Connecticut. For twenty-six years he was a Band Director in the public schools of Ohio and New Hampshire. From 1983–2001 he was Adjunct Instructor of Low Brass at Plymouth State College. In 1999 he conducted the Plymouth State College Symphonic Band while its director was on sabbatical leave, and in 1995–96 as well as 2001–2004 he served as the assistant conductor of the University of Connecticut Wind Ensemble. In 2005-2006 Jim was the Visiting Music Director for the Yale University Bands.

Other professional experiences include adjudicating state instrumental and vocal auditions, performing as a guest conductor at numerous regional music festivals, presenting clinics at music conferences, and serving on the New Hampshire Music Educators’ Association Executive Board as Junior High Festival Chairperson and State President. In 1998 the New Hampshire Band Directors’ Association honored him as their “Outstanding Band Director of the Year.”

Dr. Chesebrough has studied conducting with Jeffrey Renshaw, Peter Bagley, Rodney Winther, and Carl St. Claire. As a trombonist, he has performed with the American Trombone Choir in St. Petersburg, Russia; the International Trombone Festival Weekend Warriors Trombone Choir in Helsinki, Finland; the International Trombone Festival William F. Cramer Trombone Choir in Utrecht, The Netherlands; the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra and numerous big bands throughout New England. In 1999, he and his wife Constance premiered Jonathan Santore's The Insoluble Persist for solo trombone and piano.

In 2004, Dr. Chesebrough completed his doctoral dissertation on David Wallis Reeves, bandmaster of the American Band of Providence, Rhode Island from 1866-1900. Jim recently retired as the Band Director at Keene State College, Keene, New Hampshire.