Get an exclusive insider's glimpse into the life of a professional musician with the NJSO's Jim Neglia. Spend a day backstage and onstage with Jim at an NJSO rehearsal and see what goes into producing an amazing performance. You'll also receive an autographed copy of Jim's new book Onward and Upward, a true account of his pursuit of a dream—a career in music—and the relentless determination it takes to succeed in the arts.

Orchestra Personnel Manager Jim Neglia is a veteran force in the performing arts. He has been a working percussionist as well as music contractor, personnel manager and music coordinator for more than 30 years, working closely with some of the best-known names in the industry. Jim covers the entire gamut of music production and performance.

Prior to joining the NJSO, Jim has performed live on WNYC radio and "All Things Considered" and has made various recordings for RCA, Decca & Delos International records. He has appeared worldwide--covering 27 countries in solo and orchestral performances--and worked with a range of musical greats from Placido Domingo to the Moody Blues. Jim has also appeared and performed in motion pictures that include I Love NY with Christopher Plummer and Scott Biao and Joe Gould's Secret with Stanley Tucci which ran on HBO. Jim was music coordinator for Broadway musical A Tale of Two Cities. Jim received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Mannes College of Music in New York City.

His new book, Onward and Upward, is featured on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Book Reader and Waterstone.com in the United Kingdom and The Nile in Australia. The Book Expo America, which features new authors, has invited Jim to participate in the 2013 exposition at the Javits Center.