top of page

My life...

I was born and raised in Geneseo, Illinois. My interest in music began at an early age living in a musical family with my father as my band director (now retired). When I first walked into the music store to choose an instrument, I really thought I wanted to play the French Horn. They took one look at me and said I need to try trombone. That was that.

​

I was fairly successful in high school on trombone, winning most of the auditions I entered. In Illinois, you only get to audition for All-State during your junior and senior years. I won first chair both years.

​

After high school, I received my Bachelors Degree in Trombone Performance from Western Illinois. I moved down to Midland (TX) after winning the Midland-Odessa Symphony job and to teach private lessons. In the early 2000's, I decided to move to Denton to attend the University of North Texas for my Masters Degree in Trombone Performance and Doctor of Musical Arts Degree (almost ABD?) in Trombone Performance. I completed all of my Doctoral course work and requirements with the exception of taking my quals and writing my dissertation. At that point I made the decision to commit to freelancing and teaching full-time instead of juggling work with school. Although I can't officially be called Dr. B, I'd like to think that by completing my doctoral coursework, I have an equally strong educational background as those that do (just minus the hours and hours of stressful prep that those brave souls experienced in order to receive their DMA).

 

While at UNT I met Holly, who was a trombonist as well. Holly and I married in 2008 and moved close to the Frisco area. Holly, after teaching at McGowen Elementary for 15 years, is now in her 2nd year as the music teacher at Frazier Elementary school in McKinney. I teach private lessons in the surrounding communities and perform for various groups throughout the state of Texas and surrounding states.

​

Now, Holly and I have a son, Alex. We love living in this part of north Texas. Great cities, great people!

bottom of page