Years playing with the PSO: 15
Lives in: Stratham, NH
How old were you when you started playing clarinet? Why clarinet?
I started with the clarinet at age 10 and stuck with it, although I did try tuba for a bit in high school. I am not exactly sure why, but from a young age I knew I wanted to play the clarinet and could not wait to get to the 5th grade so I could start.
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
I just really love the orchestral repertoire. Chamber music or concert band can be fun, but for me there is nothing like sitting in the midst of an orchestra playing composers’ great works.
What is your favorite piece of music to play on clarinet?
Some of my favorite pieces to perform are Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 and Schuman’s Symphony No. 8. Also, performing Star Wars to a hall full of cheering school kids is hard to beat!
Tell us about your musical education.
I have a B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire. I taught part-time elementary and middle school music before shifting to a career in technology.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO?
I work as a cybersecurity researcher and product architect for industrial control systems and am an avid home cook.
In addition to being a member of the orchestra, you are the current chair of the PSO’s board of directors. How long have you served in that role and what motivates you to be a member of the PSO’s board of directors?
I have served on the board since 2009, and have held the roles of President and Treasurer in the past. My most recent term as President began in 2021. I got involved with the PSO administratively almost immediately after playing my first concert in 2008 because I was so enthusiastic about the capability and potential of the group.
Over the last 15 years, the PSO has grown tremendously, both in terms of quality and the breadth of our programs, which now include a five-concert main stage season, two different chamber music series, and many educational and outreach performances in area schools and libraries.
Do you play with any other groups?
Just the PSO. I would like to play more in general but don’t have the time.
