Appearances
Caroga Lake Music Festival, 2024; Civic Orchestra of Chicago, associate member, 2022–24; Colour of Music Festival, 2021–24; Eastern Music Festival, fellow, 2023; Virginia Symphony Orchestra, fellow, 2022–23; Miami Music Festival, 2016–18
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
When I was in middle school, my school took us to see the Cleveland Orchestra perform a kids concert. That concert was so amazing! Seeing all these different instruments that I’d never seen before performing together on stage; that really pushed me in the direction to become a musician.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
One of my former teachers, Joseph Conyers (principal bass in the Philadelphia Orchestra), sent the TŌN audition flyer to me and told me to audition. I saw it as a great opportunity to be a part of since I knew other colleagues who were TŌN alums. Other teachers of mine, Nathaniel West and Christopher White, really pushed me hard to prepare for the audition.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
The most memorable concert for me was when I played Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. I never thought that those two symphonies had so much in common, and it has been by far the most fun I’ve had at a performance.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
So far becoming a member of TŌN. It still surprises me that I’m here.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
Michael Jackson and Linkin Park
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Probably would be an architect
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
That the double bass comes in so many different shapes and sizes and has different types of bows.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
Playing together can be surprisingly challenging, especially with an orchestra of this size. When you have musicians of this level performing together, it becomes so magical.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Be more open-minded to different musical ideas. Be patient, your time will come.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
I wish I knew starting out that there are so many different opportunities in music that aren’t just playing in an orchestra.