Awards/Competitions
Finalist, 2024 Great Plains International Marimba Competition
Appearances
National Orchestral Institute, 2026; Ted Atkatz Percussion Seminar, 2024
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
I saw someone playing drum set at my sibling’s orchestra concert. The next week I stopped taking piano lessons and started learning drums.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
I met a TŌN member at a gig and later my teacher encouraged me to apply.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
I played a small marimba recital at a staff party for my summer job. They were chatting amongst themselves and enjoying drinks for the first few pieces but by the last piece everyone was totally silent and listening to me play. The piece I finished with was Keiko Abe’s Michi, although for the improvised section I drew heavily upon Evelyn Glennie’s recording.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
Ted Atkatz. He brings a side of your playing out that allows non-percussionists to hear the music beyond a well-executed part.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Teaching high school or middle school band.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
Every percussion instrument requires its own technique, and overlooked instruments such as cymbals, triangle, tambourine, and bass drum are deceptively difficult and complex.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
Since percussion is typically at the back of the orchestra, often times one has to anticipate the beat to compensate for the distance on stage.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Dive head first into all areas of orchestral playing, do not hide behind your proficiency on a single instrument like I did by primarily practicing marimba.