The Short Story: I began playing trumpet at age 12 in Arkansas and now live in South Carolina where I love teaching, learning, and making music. When not doing music things, I love photography, jigsaw puzzles, and travelling!
The Long Story: My great grandmother was a concert pianist; my grandma still plays piano at age 87! My dad plays the musical saw and he met my mom while playing in the band at John Brown University. I grew up in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and began playing trumpet in the sixth grade.
I played in the Siloam Springs High School Band and marched in Hollywood, Orlando, and Washington D.C. (in the Presidential Inaugural Parade). I earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Ouachita Baptist University where I studied with Dr. Craig Hamilton. I student taught in Texarkana, Texas, and also spent a summer working at Interlochen Fine Arts Camp. I also did an internship at Seoul Foreign School (Seoul, Korea) in 2012.
After graduating from OBU, I moved to Manhattan, KS to attend Kansas State University and study with Dr. Gary Mortenson. While there, I enjoyed working at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (summer 2014) along with performing with the KSU Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall in 2015.
I earned a DMA in trumpet performance at the University of Georgia under Mr. Philip Smith. While there, I performed with the UGA British Brass Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble.
After UGA, I worked as an adjunct instructor at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland. Currently, I am the director of instrumental studies at Erskine College in Due West, SC.
The Long Story: My great grandmother was a concert pianist; my grandma still plays piano at age 87! My dad plays the musical saw and he met my mom while playing in the band at John Brown University. I grew up in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and began playing trumpet in the sixth grade.
I played in the Siloam Springs High School Band and marched in Hollywood, Orlando, and Washington D.C. (in the Presidential Inaugural Parade). I earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Ouachita Baptist University where I studied with Dr. Craig Hamilton. I student taught in Texarkana, Texas, and also spent a summer working at Interlochen Fine Arts Camp. I also did an internship at Seoul Foreign School (Seoul, Korea) in 2012.
After graduating from OBU, I moved to Manhattan, KS to attend Kansas State University and study with Dr. Gary Mortenson. While there, I enjoyed working at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (summer 2014) along with performing with the KSU Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall in 2015.
I earned a DMA in trumpet performance at the University of Georgia under Mr. Philip Smith. While there, I performed with the UGA British Brass Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble.
After UGA, I worked as an adjunct instructor at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland. Currently, I am the director of instrumental studies at Erskine College in Due West, SC.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD! Psalm 98:6