Philosophy

As a music educator for more than 30 years, I have come to believe that music and music education are basic to the intellectual and social development of young children; the inclusion, acceptance and confidence of teens; the exploration of communities and cultures around young adults; and the understanding, connection and optimism of our adult population.  It is truly life long learning - and life affirming!  Music and music reading must be taught early - exposing our young people to the power of a common language, the importance of team effort, inclusion of all abilities, and the creation of beauty.  In our technologically advanced society, children (and teens and adults) are less required to memorize facts and regurgitate data. Our phones can do that!  What is required of us now is to be creative with the data we have at our disposal. We are being asked to dream of what is coming next, as well as look back and free ourselves from long standing issues and divisions of the past.  It is the CREATIVE person who will thrive and use our massive collections of data to form new insights - new connections for themselves and the world.  Our job now is to raise creative children and adults and show them the power of collaborative, diverse, and inclusive gatherings of people.  For me, that is the very definition of ensemble: We create and we act as a whole rather than as individuals. That is my calling.

Clinician/Adjudicator

Learn about my experience guest conducting Honor Choirs, adjudicating choral and instrumental festivals and creating/leading workshops in choral music, vocal pedagogy, conducting & rehearsal techniques.

Children/Youth Choirs

From public school music education to full-time work in the church, I have always placed an emphasis on the development and education of young people about the power of music making. 

Church Music & Art

It has been said that "Music is a window to the presence of the Creator." Believing that to be true, I strive to open as many different "windows" as possible. Learn about my recent Church Music & Arts Ministry