Seattle Public Schools

Personal Message

I am originally from Eagle River, Alaska, where I started asking to play the saxophone at the age of 3. After years of begging I got my first saxophone in 5th grade and immediately began studying privately. I was in band and choir all through high school, participating yearly in solo and ensemble and All-State band. My senior year of high school I received a scholarship to attend Interlochen Arts Academy, a performing arts boarding school in Traverse City, Michigan.

I graduated with honors from Interlochen with a fine arts award in saxophone performance and was accepted to the University of Michigan for the following year to study classical saxophone performance. I spent 5 years at the University of Michigan studying classical saxophone with Donald Sinta and jazz with the late Donald Walden before joining the Navy Band in 2005.

During my time in the Navy Band I was in a variety of ensembles from jazz combos, jazz bands, wind ensembles, marching bands, rock bands, New Orleans style brass bands and ceremonial bands where I performed for combined audiences of over 1.5 million people. Stationed at Navy Band New Orleans and Navy Band Northwest, I had the opportunity to lead the jazz protocol combo and the New Orleans style brass band as well as being featured as an arranger, soloist, and vocalist on many occasions. Upon my exit from the Navy Band I decided to follow my love of teaching and return to school to pursue my music education degree at the University of Washington. I completed my degree and am currently residing in Kitsap County with my wife and two sons while playing regularly in the area.