I began playing trombone at the age of 11 in 6th grade. In junior high and high school, I played in concert band, jazz band, marching band, symphony orchestra, and performed solos by the time I graduated high school. As an undergrad at UT Arlington, I played in every ensemble that needed a trombone player. As a graduate student at The University of North Texas, I had the distinct pleasure and honor to perform with the symphony orchestra, the 2 o’clock Lab Band, and the premier trombone choir conducted by Tony Baker and Vern and Jan Kagarice. These varied musical experiences gave me exposure to a wide array of musical styles and greatly influenced my writing.

At home, my dad had an eclectic music collection and it allowed me to listen to a vast spectrum of music from an early age. I would rummage through his CD collection (yes, CDs!) and would listen to artists like Herbie Hancock, Van Halen, Eric Clapton, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. On my own, I'd listen to Hip Hop, R & B and Gospel music. At school, I would be exposed to Rock, Tejano, and Mariachi. These experiences gave me a wide palette of sound, which I reference as I create my compositions.

I began writing my senior year of high school with the encouragement of one of my band directors who told me about Finale Notepad. I then began writing arrangements of my favorite songs from the radio and would play them with my friends after school. When I became a band director, I began writing chorales for my groups which led to writing larger scale performance works. I’ve published music since 2015, and it brings me great joy to share my music with the world.

I have served as an assistant band director at Arlington High School in Arlington, TX since 2012 where I conduct the symphonic band and jazz band. I also assist with the marching band. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, cycling, and spending time with my wife.