What instruments do you play?
I am a tuba player, but I also dabble in trombone and euphonium.

How long have you played your instrument?
I started playing the trombone in 2002, and then picked up the tuba in 2003. So I’ve been playing brass instruments for 18 years now.

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
I have been with the WSO since 2018. I have met some great people and have played some fantastic music.

What do you do for a career?
I just finished up my contract with the Marine Corps Band at Cherry Point, and am now pursuing a teaching career in North Carolina as a high school band director.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Lincolnton, NC. After I graduated high school, I moved to Topeka, KS to get a bachelors degree in Music Performance from Washburn University. After that, I moved to Winston-Salem, NC to attend the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for a Masters Degree in Music Performance. I then joined the Marine Corps and moved to Eastern NC, and currently live in New Bern.

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
I am currently listening to a lot of Mumford and Sons. I also really enjoy listening to live Jazz (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy puts on a great live show!).

As far as favorite musical memories, one that sticks out is performing a memorial concert at Ground Zero in NYC. It was such a powerful and moving experience.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is probably Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant in New Bern. But nothing beats my wife’s baked goods.

Favorite beverage?
Coffee, hands down.

What is your favorite vacation?
I love spending time out in nature, so I love to visit the mountains.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
On a completely practical level, I’d want an encyclopedia of some duty to make sure I don’t eat anything poisonous. But to make time pass quicker, I’d probably want to take the Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings series to read.

What's your pet situation?
Currently have zero pets.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
The Wilmington Symphony has a ton of great opportunities for the community. From youth orchestra to outreach, the WSO does it all!

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Listening to movie soundtracks and spending time with my family. My family is awesome!

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
Stay positive and explore opportunities for self-improvement. Focus on bettering yourself and your community, and your time will be spent in the best way possible!