I am excited to be back teaching modern band at South High School!

I was born and raised in Johnson Creek, WI. Here, I began singing in choir and playing piano in Kindergarten. As the son of two music teachers, music has been important all of my life. I was fortunate enough to participate in choir, band, and theatre both professionally and non-professionally, as well as take private voice and piano lessons all during my childhood. After arriving at the University of Minnesota, I chose to follow my passion for singing under the instruction of John DeHaan. In 2010, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 Vocal Music Education.

I worked at Folwell School, Performing Arts Magnet (formerly Ramsey IFAC) as the choir and modern band teacher from 2010 to 2020. I started as an intern with the Learning Through Music Consulting Group (LTMCG) in 2006 before being hired by MPS in 2010. With LTMCG, I served as a music consultant, and integration specialist. As part of the LTMCG, I developed, modified and implemented arts integration curricula and help pilot new music-plus-music-integration programs at other schools. (LTMCG dissolved in 2012.)

Most recently, I have found my passion for modern music education. With the help of Music Will and MPS, I started teaching guitar and modern music ensembles in 2012. Now Modern Band is programmatic at South High School, providing 3, tiered levels. In addition, I travel around the U.S. as a modern band teacher trainer through Music Will. My modern music ensembles have been fortunate enough to play at local venues like the Hook & Ladder, Cedar Cultural Center, and the 7th St. Entry.

I live at home with my wonderful family: Heather, Jace, Mason, and our puppy Koda. When I am not teaching, I am out playing with my bands locally, volunteering, coaching, trying out new restaurants, hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, watching my favorite team(s) or learning new things about technology.

Music is an integral part in every students' education. I strive to effectively integrate arts and non-arts academics in order to successfully enhance student learning in their specialist classes as well as their general classroom studies, with the understanding that music and the arts can be used as a catalyst for all learning.