During high school I attended New England Music Camp, and a brass camp at Susquehanna University. I performed in concert band, marching band, orchestra, the Our Shamokin Band (a community band) and various school musicals (Porgy & Bess, Show Boat). I also participated in district and regional band competitions, winning first chair at regional band in my junior year. In my senior year, I was asked to be the pianist for our school jazz band. This was my first public appearance as a pianist.
I went on to Susquehanna University as a music education major, studying french horn under C. Scott Smith. I continued to perform with various groups, both on and off campus. The highlight of my time there was attending a dinner party with the Empire Brass Quintet. I enjoyed the opportunity to perform in the musicals Camelot and West Side Story, and was twice invited to participate in the Susquehanna Valley Chorale with conductor Cyril Stretansky.
For various reasons, I left Susquehanna U after my second year. I didn't do much with my music in the following 5 years, except to practice on occasion. I was asked to give french horn lessons to a boy, which I took on reluctantly, having been away from it so long. It turned out to be very motivating. I began to practice my piano in earnest again, and in 1998 decided to apply for a position as pianist for the Christian Science Church of Asbury Park, NJ. I stayed with this position until 2003, when the church decided to close. During that time, my playing evolved and matured, since I was required to accompany a soloist with music I would not normally find in my comfort zone. I found, to my surprise, that the vocal selections could be quite lovely, and I enjoyed performing them. Sometimes we would do one that was not very musically interesting, and finally in 2001 I tried my hand at composing a new setting for one of these. The church members were very supportive, and I was encouraged to continue.
I am currently employed as the organist and choir director for Bethany Presbyterian Church in Haddon Heights, NJ. This is a new experience for me, and I'm enjoying it!
