About Me

I've been teaching music since 1995 and in the Bremerton area since 1996. I have taught band, choir, orchestra, and general music in grades K through 8.

I have been a musician in some form or another since 3rd grade when I started taking group piano lessons in an after school program at my school. I started trumpet in 4th grade (just as soon as I was allowed), and played trumpet (and later euphonium and percussion) in band and symphony orchestra through college and into my adult life.

I received a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA where I studied teaching band, orchestra, choir, and general music. I earned a master's degree in music from Southern Oregon University's American Band College program in 2003. At SOU I had opportunities to meet and work under the direction of professional composers and musicians such as Patrick Sheridan, a professional tuba soloist, Allan Vizutti, a professional trumpet soloist, and Robert W. Smith and the late Alfred Reed, both well known composers of band music.

Music is not only my profession, but my hobby. I have in the past conducted a community band, played in a community orchestra, and a brass quintet, and have played trumpet as a soloist at several area churches. I have also composed original music for my school groups to perform. I have been known to build marimbas in my basement workshop when I have the time and materials.

I enjoy bicycling, running, swimming, and refereeing ice hockey. I am also a licensed private pilot, although I don't get the chance to fly very often. In February 2011 I was identified by the US Navy as a "Key Influencer" and was selected to fly with the US Navy Blue Angels on their C-130 cargo plane "Fat Albert" at the Seafair airshow.