Awards/Competitions
Winner, 2025–26 Rowan University Concerto Competition; 2026 W. Clarke Pfleeger Medallion Award
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, my undergraduate trumpet professor from Rowan University, played such a huge role in my musical journey, although he would never take any credit for his students’ successes. The selflessness and care he shows through his teaching is truly unmatched, and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence is something I strive for.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
My high school band director, Kevin Cotter, and my middle school band director, Gerard Wells, both fostered my love for music. They always encouraged me to continue down the musician’s path and challenged me to become better. They also introduced me to the world of British brass banding, which is where I consider my musical roots to have been planted.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
My favorite musician is Aurora.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a musician I would probably be doing something either involving animals or the outdoors. I would likely do some form of environmental conservation or be involved with the National Park system.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
The best advice I could give anyone would be to decide what you want to get out of life, and then go after it with all the effort that you can. Put your all into something that really matters to you and then trust that the right doors will open. The path that is meant for you will find you.