Role at Shipley
Director of Bands & Private Music Lesson Program Coordinator

Ensemble Director of:

Education
BM Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
MM Yale School of Music, Yale University
DMA Stony Brook University

Prior Professional Experience
Music Director and Arts Department Chair, KIPP NYC College Prep High School, Bronx, NY
Freelance Musician, New York City and Fort Worth, TX
Marcus High School, Horn Choir Director and instructor of Horn, Lewisville, TX

Outside Performance Groups or Professional Organizations
Drexel University, Assistant Conductor of Concert Band
Revolution Winds, woodwind quintet
Freelance Musician, Philadelphia region
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) since 2012

How/why did you get into music?
Listening to and making music has always been such a joyful part of my life. From the first note I played on the horn, I loved the sound and felt an immediate connection to the instrument. Beyond that, I had inspiring teachers and learned very quickly that I could go places with music.  

What is your music teaching philosophy or style?
Music is life. Engage with an open mind. Work hard, be nice, and have fun.

How would your students describe you?
Energetic, sometimes silly or funny, patient, passionate about music, and process-driven.

Do you have any musical heroes or inspiration? If so, who are they and why?
Through music, I have been introduced to and gotten to work with so many amazing human beings.  If I had to list just one, it would be my first horn teacher, Nicholas J. Perrini. He opened my ears to what musical expression could be, and was a role model for getting the most out of every moment. Aside from him, there are always new artists and songs that surprise and inspire me. The music of Stevie Wonder and Mozart have been lifelong loves, among many others.

What music do you listen to for fun?
I enjoy listening to my own children make music. Live shows are always fun. Recent shows include David Byrne, the Punch Brothers, and Wilco. I go to hear the Philly Orchestra whenever I can. 

Fun fact about you?
I enjoy reading science fiction and would be an environmental scientist if I weren’t a musician.

Anything else you’d like people to know about you:
If you want to know something, just ask. I’m a curious person too.