Tell us more about you and your life, your profession, and your successes.
I currently serve as General Manager of the Contemporary Youth Orchestra located in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2016 I created CYO’s Chamber program, Origins, which I still serve as director. To date, the program has served over 120 students and has premiered 12 new works for percussion. I’m lucky enough to have an active performing career as well. I have served as section percussion with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic from 2016 to 2018. I have also performed with Indianapolis Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Canton and Akron Symphonies, Dayton Philharmonic and the New World Symphony. I toured with the US Air Force Band of Flight a few times in 2010-2011, while I was a student at Wright State. Also while completing my undergrad I attended several prominent summer music festivals such as Eastern Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, and Texas Music Festival. During my time at Brevard I served as Teaching Assistant for 2 years and was awarded “Most Outstanding Collegiate Musician.”
Through my position at the youth orchestra, I’m fortunate enough to get to work with some of the Cleveland area’s best students. Many have pursued music after high school and have been accepted to several colleges and programs such as Duquesne, University of Michigan, Northwestern, Cleveland Institute of Music, Ohio State University, Brevard Music Center, and Eastern Music Festival.
What is your favorite Wright State memory?
My favorite memory of Wright State was graduating. Not because I didn’t have a positive experience, but because I couldn’t have been better prepared for the road ahead of me. My time at Wright State was extremely challenging and endlessly rewarding. It did not dawn on me at the time but the people that teach there and the culture within the music department had made an imprint on me, one that I am still realizing.
Also, during my senior year we got to attend a percussion festival in Honolulu…not a bad way to end your undergraduate program!
What did receiving the ARTSGALA Scholarship mean to you?
It made me feel valued. That the school and staff recognized what scholarship money can do for you as a student. The event each spring was such a big deal and so much fun to participate in, so it was an honor to receive the scholarship.
