BIO
Casting aside ego and vanity to create ‘hip’ and engaging music is my way of creating something that is not just for my own enjoyment, but something that evokes emotions in others. As a jazz saxophonist, arranger, and composer I create and write music to speak with the soul and groove of those who desire to physically connect with the music.
As a saxophonist and performer, I have played in the North Texas area with jazz small ensembles and big bands alike. I have worked with the North Texas Lab Bands, Gainesville Swing Orchestra, and recorded with school peers at the Panhandle House in Denton. I have also had the pleasure of working with the Metro Praise Youth Orchestra and the Texas Youth Saxophone Ensemble as both a guest performer and educator.
My arranging projects include many small jazz ensemble works such as "My Shining Hour" and "Things Are Getting Better," a big band arrangement of "Just Friends," and "But Beautiful" for solo saxophone and many more. I am looking forward to creating more big band arrangements that feature an instrumentalist within the band and small ensemble arrangements inspired by the Cannonball Adderley quintet.
My composing has been a new focus for me as I have just finished my first piece entitled “Work’s in Progress.” Inspired by old jazz standards and arranged in the style of the Cannonball Adderley quintet, this piece reflects the joy of always looking to the future and aspiring to be our best selves.
I began studying for my undergraduate degree in jazz saxophone performance at the University of North Texas in 2016 and graduated in 2020. During my time at university, I studied with many amazing professors such as Bradford Leali, Mike Steinel, Richard DeRosa, and Dave Meader amongst others.