Appearances
Civic Orchestra Chicago, associate, 2024; New World Symphony, substitute, 2025–26; Peoria Symphony Orchestra, substitute, 2025–26; Illinois Symphony Orchestra, substitute, 2025–26; Opera Festival of Chicago, fellow, 2025; National Orchestral Institute + Festival, 2024–26; Eastern Music Festival, 2022
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
My earliest memories of classical music would have to be Fantasia. My earliest live performances would be seeing St. Louis Symphony performing the scores to Star Wars films in concert, or going with my family to see productions of musicals at the Fox and Muny in St. Louis.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
I had a teacher in high school, now a friend and mentor, who sat me down and told me exactly what was necessary for me to be successful in this world. She pushed me further than anyone else had previously. She told me it wouldn’t be easy yet trusted me to follow the right path. To this day we’ll still meet regularly for a gossip-shesh at 8 am in the local coffee joint in my home town.
Another teacher I had that was particularly impactful was a violist I studied with in college. He never charged me for a lesson after graduating. He simply told me “bring me a coffee and we’ll call it even.” Our lessons often lasted for hours until one of us would fall over from exhaustion. He was a wealth of knowledge and every lesson with him felt like I emerged from the room as a new player.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
There wasn’t one event that pushed me to become a musician. It was a culmination of many. Growing up in a family of very few musicians, let alone fewer professional musicians, it was still ever-present. I fell in love with film scores at a young age and eventually discovered instruments and the ability to make music with those around me. Every time I tried to consider something else, it seemed as though there wasn’t another choice. Music is simply the only answer.
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
Over the years I have seen orchestras increasingly collaborating with local and major artists. One of the orchestras I’ve played with has orchestrated and produced concerts for two stunning artists. They were some of the largest sold and most gratifying of my life. Various organizations across North America and the world have been publishing concerts that are relevant to newer audiences and pushing the art form into a new medium. Even string quartets have been increasingly putting out albums with artists and orchestrating their music for the classical format. I hope in the future the potential of the orchestra is no longer that of a formal concert hall, but one that is actively servicing the communities in which it lies.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 under the baton of Marin Alsop in the National Cathedral. Hearing the audience audibly gasp with shock at the beginning of the first movement recapitulation only to later be followed by the climax of the finale was magical.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
Looking out during a concert and seeing genuine joy in the audience.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
Every musician who sits next to me and pushes me to be better than the day before.
Tell us about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
I would be lying if I didn’t ask myself every once in a while, “what if I walk away now?” In fact, this is a common feeling among every musician I’ve ever met. Fortunately, this feeling is always met by a moment of clarity. Often on stage, surrounded by some of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard. At that moment I can’t help but think, “This is why I do it.”
Can you share any memorable onstage mishaps?
A tornado struck the location of our venue during the concert. Everyone ended up being fine!
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
Vulfpeck
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Probably trying to become a musician.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
The neck problems.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
Sitting directly in front of the bell ends of an all-star brass section.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Making good music with good people is more important than anything else. Some of the most gratifying musical moments I have had have been in a room of friends. Who ever said this was supposed to be a career anyways?
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
A corporate 9-5 is a much more reliable way to make a sustainable income.