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My educational background:
I received scholarships to attend both
Berklee College of
Music (in Boston, MA),
and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. While at Berklee, I played tenor sax and EWI
in their
"Steps/Stern/Scofield Ensemble",
and tenor and EWI
in Berklee's "Freshman
Combo" and
studied saxophone with saxophonist George Garzone.
I also studied Electronic Wind
Instrument (EWI) with Paul Wagner
(contributing writer for
Saxophone Journal magazine) and studied ear training with
Brazilian vocalist Luciana Sousa. Also, while at Berklee, I attended a series of
saxophone repair master classes by legendary
saxophone repairman Emilio
Lyons
(of Boston's Rayburn Music).
Some of my main
musical influences include: Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Everette Harp, Nelson Rangell, George Garzone, Bob Mintzer, Joe Lovano, Najee,
Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Michael Paulo, Greg Vail, John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, Joe Henderson, Grover
Washington Jr., Steps Ahead (with Michael Brecker), the Brecker
Bros., and the Yellowjackets (to name just a few).
Some of my previous teachers include: Curt Eddie,
George Garzone, John Bleuel, Michelle Hussey & Gerald
Olson - and have learned a lot through a few great discussions
with saxophonists Joe Lovano and Michael Brecker. But I also learn
from my students,
by breaking-down all aspects of playing and learning the
saxophone in lessons, I end up putting my own technique
and musicianship under the microscope as well! I
have a lot to learn (as we all do), and I pray I never
stop learning!
We are all given gifts by Jesus Christ,
I'm just trying my best
to honor
and praise Jesus
using the gifts Christ has given
me. I
hope to do
a lot more recording and performing, God-willing. I've recorded and/or performed with
many different groups over the years -
ranging from classical (way back with the
UW-Milwaukee Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, and Sax
Quartet) to big band (also w/UW-Milwaukee),
and from jazz to funk to rock.
Recorded and performed horn section work and soloing
in swing band settings
(such as with the "Mr. Lucky Swing
Syndicate" band), combo and even a jazz
(well "jazzish") trio setting (the fun but short-lived "SPB
Projects"), but I have had the most fun playing in contemporary jazz
groups
(Shammah and Urban Jazz).
I'm currently writing for (off and
on), and
will hopefully soon be looking forward to
recording, my first solo project (when the
extra funds needed to do so are available)
- but for now, I'm just trying my best to just keep
involved in the industry to some degree, and praying
Christ Wills for me to eventually get my break!
I would love to get the
chance to tour as a sideman with a national act
someday, or to tour with my own group
eventually, but I don't run things, God does, so I
trust in Jesus
Christ for Him to allow what's best for me, at
the
TIME that's best for me!
(hope
that will be soon!)
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