Awards/Competitions
Runner-up, 2015 Louisiana Philharmonic Concerto Competition
Appearances
National Orchestra Institute, 2021; Eastern Music Festival, 2017–21; National Youth Orchestra USA, 2015
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
Going to see Yo-Yo Ma play Schumann’s Cello Concerto
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Yes! Bill Schettler, assistant double bass in the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and Orin O’Brien, double bass in the New York Philharmonic. They both always have my back.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
I always wanted to be a musician. I never had to make a decision because it was always clear to me that was what I wanted to do.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
I heard about it from my teacher, Bill Schettler.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
Playing at Carnegie Hall with the National Youth Orchestra USA in July 2015 under the direction of Charles Dutoit with pianist Yundi Li, and touring in China with NYO that summer
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
Playing at Carnegie Hall
Tell us about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
I almost gave up when I was learning a Mozart excerpt and had to keep asking my teacher for help. I just kept working on it.
Can you share any memorable onstage mishaps?
My strings exploded when I was on a gig.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
George Jones
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Historian
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
The double bass expands and contracts with changes in humidity.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
Playing in tune as a bass section of the orchestra
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Practice, practice, practice!
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
It’s better to start practice slowly at first.