Westwind Music Group understands the importance of music production in the competitive environment that exists today. Our years of experience are the result of listening and adapting to the clients' needs to produce exactly what they want at an affordable price. That is why our clients have trusted Westwind Music Group to produce soundtracks on time and on budget for more than 20 years.
With a team of talented Composers/Arrangers, Producers, Audio Engineers and the finest musicians on the west coast, Westwind Music Group leads the industry in music production for stage shows, multimedia, filmscore and live click track sound tracks. Our "Passion for Excellence" is your guarantee that you will receive a quality product while getting the most for your entertainment dollar. Contact us to see why more and more clients are turning to Westwind Music Group for their music production needs.
Mr. Thorpe has been active as a musician, composer, arranger, and producer for the past 25 years. A graduate of Indiana University, Nick holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in music. After spending many years in Las Vegas writing for Las Vegas hotels and shows, Nick moved to Los Angeles in 1999 to pursue work in television and film.
As a trumpet player, Nick has performed with artists Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Paul Anka, Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson, and many more, as well as being on the road with the legendary Buddy Rich Orchestra which included performances at Lincoln Center and Royal Festival Hall, in addition to many television appearances. Nick has also been a performer in numerous Las Vegas venues including The Las Vegas Hilton's "Ball du Moulin Rouge" and the Stardust's "Enter The Night" production shows. Nick was also a founding member of the renowned "Lon Bronson All Star Band" in Las Vegas.
As a composer/ producer of music for live theater, Nick has produced music for many Las Vegas venues including The Desert Inn, The Excaliber, The Sands, The Riviera, The Stardust, The Plaza, The Maxim, Caesar's Palace, The Tropicana, and many others. Nick composed the original score for Lance Burton's magic spectacular which opened the Monte Carlo Hotel and has composed music for many worldwide venues including Radio City Music Hall, Friedrichstadt Palast in Berlin, and the original score for Hilton Conrad-Jupitors' show "Innervre" on Australia's Gold Coast.
Nick was also active as musical director and conductor/ composer for the National Association of Homebuilders International Builders show from 1999-2008 providing original compositions and conducting the orchestra for their multi-million dollar Opening Ceremonies shows. He has also served as composer/musical director for Ice Capades and Warner Brothers on Ice.
In the Cruise industry, Nick has written and produced music for Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Seven Seas Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Silver Seas Cruise Line, Raddison Cruise Lines, and Disney Cruise Lines.
Mr. Thorpe has also enjoyed working with recording artists, acting as orchestrator for Lee Greenwood's pops concerts around the country. In an enjoyable departure, Nick was asked to orchestrate and record live orchestra on the rap artist Xhibit's "Full Circle" album which included an appearance with the artist on "Late Night with David Letterman"
Nick has also been active writing music for movies and television. His original music can be heard on Lifetime, A & E, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, NBC, Biography Channel, and CNBC to name a few. He has orchestrated for the Disney animation series "The Emperor's New School" and "Phineas and Ferb", and acted as an orchestrator for the Disney movies "Lilo and Stitch - Leroy and Stitch " and "Phineas and Ferb - Across the 2nd Dimension". He has also composed music for the NBC specials "Lance Burton - The Encounter" and "The Legend Continues". His movies include the independent films "In The Wrong Hands", "Finding Candy" and "Giving" among others. He is currently attached to the new Scott Capestany film "My Silent Voice" which is expected to begin production in the summer of 2013.
As an educator Nick has acted as adjudicator for numerous Jazz Festivals including The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival. He is consistently in demand as a lecturer in the business of music and contemporary music production and composition.
Nick currently serves as musical director for Carnival Cruise Lines' acclaimed Playlist Productions.
Jim Hanson, Westwind's Production Manager, has been active in music from an early age and brings a variety of expertise, both musical and non-musical, to the table. Originally from Montana, he served for three years in the US Army Band prior to obtaining his Music Education degree from the University of Montana in Missoula, during which time he also sang, played, and studied music abroad in Austria, Hungary, Fance, Italy & Germany. He has performed in a wide variety of musical settings from small chamber groups to symphony orchestras, jazz combos, big bands and more.
After attending graduate school at the University of North Texas, Jim worked as a freelance musician and teacher performing in various venues from L.A. to New York with stops in between. He also worked extensively in the cruise industry both as a sideman and leader travelling and performing to a variety of audiences worldwide. He has played trumpet behind artists Marvin Hamlisch, Regis & Kathie Lee, John Davidson and jazz greats Louie Bellson and Toots Thielemans among many others.
Over the years Jim has worn many hats, writing and directing arrangements for numerous artists in a variety of styles. He did a couple of stints working as a musician contractor, auditioning and hiring players and was also an integral member of the Creative Team for Carnival Cruise Lines' hugely popular "Carnival Legends" show that has been presented to millions of people since its debut in 2004.
A long-time associate of WMG's President, Nick Thorpe, Jim has been working with him in various capacities for the past 10 years. It was as Carnival's Senior Musical Director that he met and married his wife Nicola. Since settling down with her in 2010 he has been active writing, producing, performing and teaching. In addition to his work with WMG he has served as Musical Director and vocal coach for the seasonal show "Traditions of Christmas" and has recently completed writing the arrangements for an hour-long variety show featuring Dallas-based entertainer, Dave Cave. Jim is happy to be associated with such a great bunch of people, having amazing experiences doing what he loves, and is excited about the future of Westwind Music Group.