At what age did you start playing the instrument you play in the PSO? Did you learn another instrument first?
I was ten years old (fifth grade) when I began the trumpet. The trumpet was my first instrument. In college, I played every instrument as part of my music education training. I didn’t have a knack for anything else!
Why did you choose your current instrument?
I heard the band director from our high school play Flight of the Bumblebee on the trumpet. That really dazzled me. Unfortunately, I still have yet to master the technique to pull that one off.
How long have you played with the PSO?
I have played in the PSO, in a variety of chairs, since the spring of 2009. My first concert was Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition with Christopher Hill on the podium. In 2014, John Page asked me to become the principal trumpet, beginning with a performance of Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements.
Where do you live?
Greenland, New Hampshire.
Do you play with any other groups?
I play in the Portsmouth Brass Quintet, Symphony by the Sea, and Maine State Ballet Orchestra. I also play at a variety of local churches including South Church Unitarian Universalist (Portsmouth), Exeter Congregational Church, St. Theresa Church (Rye), Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish (Hampton) and St. John’s Episcopal Church (Portsmouth).
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
The repertoire is the best there is. The combination of strings, winds, brass, and percussion cannot be beat. I also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with so many great colleagues.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO?
I am the equipment manager, music librarian, and outreach coordinator for the University of New Hampshire Music Department. I also enjoy hiking, playing tennis, dining out around the Seacoast, and going to the movies.
What is your favorite piece of music to play on your instrument?
Anything by Mahler, Strauss, Bach, Stravinsky, Puccini, or Wagner.
Tell me about your musical education.
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. I also received a Master of Arts degree in Music Students from UNH in 2012.
