1. Where were you born? Tell us a little about your youth and upbringing.
Washington, DC. Typical suburban schools, good access to National Symphony and all the major service bands. Very good music programs in my public schools. Supportive parents who were involved in many local amateur music ensembles.
2. Earliest musical memories?
Probably church music in large Lutheran church in Washington D.C. where choir and organ music was very important. My mother was always involved in choir and accompanying.
3. Your education? Where did you attend college, primary teachers?
I attended University of Maryland where teachers were from the National Symphony. A special early teacher was Harold Malsh from the US Marine Band. He was one of the Ralph McLane's last students. Many summers (4) were spent at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony. As a two year fellow, I studied with Harold Wright.
4. Why did you choose your instrument?
My father was an amateur clarinetist who gave me my first lessons. I liked the nice quality of the instrument and the fast technical aspect of solo playing.
5. When did you know you wanted to be a professional musician?
Probably in high school. I had success in area semi-pro and university orchestras and always enjoyed the feedback from good performances. Summers as a fellow at Tanglewood showed me I was the equal of other young clarinetists looking for positions.
6. Who were/are your most important musical influences?
Orchestral players like Harold Wright and Robert Marcellus. I grew up listening to Wright in the NSO, followed by Loren Kitt, another great orchestra and chamber clarinetist.
7. Most inspiring composers?
Mozart, Debussy & Ravel.
8. What would you be if not a musician?
Probably a chef or brewer.
9. Your favorite thing about playing in the ACO?
Very good collegues. I am impressed with the venues in Vero and Stuart, supportive and interested audience. They are crucial to the success and growth of the ACO. I like Stewart's programming.
10. With what other ensembles do you perform/where do you teach?
At times, Boca Symphonia, Sunshine Pops, Orchestra Miami, FAU Chamber Soloists, Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, Key West Pops. I teach privately in my home.
11. What is in your CD player right now?
Brazilian Sambas (Marisa Monte - vocalist), also close by Bill Evans Trio - Village Vanguard recordings.
12. What do you like to do outside of work/hobby/pastimes?
Cooking for my family is a favorite pastime. My 2 greyhounds are very important to me. Promoting adoption and doing "meet and greets" along with my pets take up a lot of my free time- also therapy visits with them.
13. Anything else particularly interesting or enlightening you would like to share?
Before coming to South Florida in 1984, I spent many years in other ensembles. Especially interesting for me was 7 years in Mexico City, playing in one of the orchestras there. From 1984-2003, I was Principal Clarinet of the Florida Philharmonic, whose demise still affects all of us in South Florida.
