When I was in seventh grade my band teacher Mr. (now Dr.) Brown suggested I try playing the euphonium.  That simple suggestion has led to perfomances around the world, a doctorate in music, college loans paid off completely and an incredible career of music and mission in the United States Army.

I graduated from Bob Jones University in 1998 with a bachelors degree in euphonium performance (the euphonium is a low brass instrument that is unique to military bands and brass bands; it looks like a small tuba).  I was interested in joining a military band but also wanted to serve as a church musician.  I ended up taking a ten year "leave of absence" from the euphonium while I earned a masters degree in church music from BJU and a doctor of arts degree in choral conducting at the University of Northern Colorado.  In 2007 I joined the Army as a euphonium player in order to pay off my college loan debt and get some real world experience as a performing musician.  I've done that and more.  Incidentally, I've been able to use my church music education in Army chapels at Camp Liberty, Iraq, and at Fort Monroe, VA.

Thank you Dr. Brown for being a great band teacher in junior high and high school.  I'd also like to thank the Army band field for giving me incredible opportunities as a musician.  I've been able to play for audiences around the world and earn a comfortable living as a musician and Soldier.