BIOGRAPHY

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I grew up in Illinois, about an hour west of Chicago, and began taking piano lessons at the age of five. The following year, I joined the West Suburban Home School Band (WSHSB), where I developed into a successful multi-instrumentalist, and held several leadership roles in different sections. As a high school senior I was honored to be nominated by our director to participate in the University of Illinois at Chicago Honors Band Festival, where I was appointed the principal trumpet.​​

 

I currently hold a bachelor's degree in music, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. During my studies, I was actively involved in the university's concert band, pep band, jazz band, and trumpet ensemble. I studied trumpet, horn, and conducting under Professor Dennis Gowen and composition under Professor David Sorenson. In my senior year, I was honored to serve as the principal trumpet in the North Dakota Intercollegiate Band. As part of my capstone project, I conducted the premiere of my original composition, "Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry," with the University of Mary Concert Band.

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I currently live in Saukville, WI with my wife, and I am pursuing a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, studying under Dr. Thomas Gamboa. At UW-Milwaukee, I rehearse and perform wind band repertoire with multiple ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble, University Community Band, New Music Ensemble, and the Youth Wind Ensemble & Percussion Program (UWAY). Additionally, I am the assistant director of the "Panther" Pep Band, conducting at various athletic events.   As a masters student, I have also had the opportunity to further my trumpet studies with Professor Kevin Hartman, a long time performer who has played in world class orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and has done shows with stars such as Doc Severinsen and Andrea Bocelli.​

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Outside of my current academic activities, I offer private brass, percussion, and piano lessons to students of all ages. I enjoy playing with groups such as the Milwaukee American Legion Band, and am always looking to further my studies in trumpet, conducting, and composition.