I am an American composer of (primarily) brass chamber music.  I was born and raised in Yreka, CA, a little mountain town in the heart of the “State of Jefferson” (Northern California).  I began playing the trumpet in grade school at the urging of my father, who was the high school music teacher in town.  I went on to earn two degrees in trumpet performance; a BM from Sacramento State, where I studied with Gary Dilworth, and a MM from the University of Maryland, under Chris Gekker.  

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I was inspired to write my first composition, Escape for brass quintet, after attending the 2006 MMCK chamber music festival in Japan and having the opportunity to work with the incredible composer/trumpeter Anthony DiLorenzo. I have enjoyed growing my catalogue ever since.  My music has been performed on every non ice-covered continent, and can be heard on over 35 recordings.  I have contributed to the International Trumpet Guild Journal and am a member of ASCAP.  In addition to composing I am an active trumpet performer and teacher in the Washington DC area, where I live with my wife, two daughters, dog and cat.