Question 1: Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Riverside, CA. I was first involved in drums/percussion in the 4th grade, and continued in school band and orchestra throughout school, until graduation. My first symphony experience began when I was a high school sophomore, performing with the Riverside, CA, Redlands, CA, and San Bernardino, CA Symphony Orchestras, and was a percussionist with the Riverside, CA ballet and opera orchestras. This lasted for 3 years, until I graduated high school. (I also took private drums/percussion, and piano lessons for a number of years.)
After high school I enlisted in the Air Force Band, performing with the AF Bands of the West and Midwest, in San Antonio, TX, and Rantoul, Il. After the Air Force I studied music education in college. Over the years I have also performed with cover bands, musicals, the Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra, small jazz combos, and various other groups. I have been principal percussionist with the Rogue Valley Symphony for approximately 38 years.