I first started playing the trumpet in the fall of 1993. In 1999, I started taking private lessons from Dr. James South. Starting in 2001, I attended Purdue University where I was active in the university bands. My freshman year I marched the "All-American" Marching Band in the fall, and I played in the orchestra in the fall. For the rest of my stay at Purdue, I remained in the orchestra. In the spring of 2005, I made a fairly sudden decision to make music my major. I transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) to once again study with Dr. South.
I also enjoy playing piccolo trumpet and piano, and one day hope to have a pipe organ in my home. grin
Below I have briefly listed some of my activities in music. As well as the ensembles and organizations listed, I have also played for churches and community events, big bands, and brass quintets, and I have given lessons to private students.
| Ensemble/Organization | Offices/Positions | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue "All-American" Marching Band | Trumpet | Fall 2001 |
| Purdue Symphony Orchestra | Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn | Spring 2002–Fall 2004 |
| Kappa Kappa Psi, Gamma Pi | Computer Guru (Spring 2004), Vice President (Fall 2004) | Spring 2003–Fall 2004 |
| Purdue Symphonic Band | Percussion | Fall 2004 |
| SWOSU Wind Ensemble | Trumpet | Spring 2005 |
| SWOSU Jazz Ensemble "B" | Lead Trumpet | Spring 2005 |
| SWOSU Marching Bulldogs | Trumpet | Fall 2005; Sectional Leader, Fall 2006 and 2007 |
| SWOSU Orchestra | Principal Trumpet | Fall 2005–Present |
| SWOSU Jazz Ensemble "A" | Trumpet | Fall 2005–Spring 2006, Spring 2007 |
| SWOSU Wind Ensemble | Principal Trumpet | Spring 2006, Spring 2007 |
| SWOSU Brass Ensemble | Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet | Fall 2006–Spring 2007 |
| Kappa Kappa Psi, Epsilon Epsilon | Parliamentarian (Fall 2006–Spring 2007) | Fall 2005–Present |
| Collegiate OMEA/MENC, SWOSU Chapter | Treasurer (Fall 2006–Spring 2007) | Fall 2005–Present |