Background
My musical background started in grade school with the piano, taking lessons and playing in recitals. In middle school, after trying several instruments at a music department open house, I decided to start playing the string bass. Soon after, I also started playing bass guitar. I was a part of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra throughout high school, finishing with Senior Symphony in 2004. In my senior year of high school, I was also involved in the symphonic band, marching band, orchestra, jazz band and pit orchestra for school musicals.
After a short break in college, I started playing string bass again with Carroll University’s (Carroll College back then) Wind Symphony and in a small group with the Vocal Collective choir there. We performed with Anders Åstrand and the Global Percussion Network, along with the Trombones de Costa Rica, which was a great experience. Post-college, I continued to play bass guitar in a couple of bands with friends, but I took a break from the string bass. In 2016, a friend encouraged me to start playing again, so I joined the MFSO.
Pieces from movie scores are what I enjoy the most, both performing and listening to. Some of my favorite MSO and CSO concerts are ones where they play along with the movie. Aside from movies, I would say my favorite concert was the Iceland Symphony performing D’OM LE VRAI SENS by Kaija Saariaho. It was a very interesting piece, with a solo clarinet who moved throughout the concert hall during each movement.
I have been heavily involved in computers and technology since I was young. I decided to make a career out of it and currently work for a local college as a System Administrator. I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work at a technical level and solving problems. I also enjoy the electronic side of music, occasionally playing with synthesizer apps on my computer and tablet.
Aside from technology and music, I enjoy taking motorcycle rides, paddleboarding, going to air shows like the EAA AirVenture, and photography.
Links to a couple of the performances I mention:
- Carroll Wind Symphony/Wisconsin Wind Orchestra with Global Percussion Network and Trombones de Costa Rica: You will need a spotify account to listen to this recording. It can be a free account. https://open.spotify.com/album/5QSLcOJ7FsMzwCrXPyap11?si=VCjwojexQKyGmlQuIezssg
- Iceland Symphony performing D’OM LE VRAI SENS: