From 1990 through 1994 I attended the Fredonia School of Music at the State University of New York at Fredonia. There I studied Saxophone with Dr. Laurence Wyman. Other Professors that had a major impact on my education were Dr. Walter Hartley (Leading Composer of classical saxophone music in the 20th century), and Dr. Thomas Regelski (Music Education)
During my time at the Fredonia School of Music, I participated in many events that shaped my existence in the world of saxophone. Most of importantly was the attendance of the 1992 Sigurd M. Raschèr Saxophone Study Week at Yale University in June 1992. I was one of 5 Basso Saxophonists in an orchestra of 50
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During this time I also participated in many saxophone workshops at Syracuse University under Dr. Ronald Caravan.
In 1993 I performed on alto saxophone with the Fredonia chamber players orchestra the world premier of Walter Hartley's "Bagatelles for Orchestra".
Another friendship made at Fredonia was one with David Wright - now Saxophone professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Unable to find a job right out of college I worked as a Musical Instrument Repair Technician for a local music store. I consider this time more as an intern because I had the pleasure of working with one of the area's finest repairmen, Duane Gilbert.
In 1995 Mr. Raschèr suffered a stroke. I was one of 3 students selected to assist his 9 of his decipals in a small, private, saxophone ensemble performance at his house.
In 1995 I was one of 40 alto saxophonists to audition for the Presidents Own Marine Band in Washington DC.
In 1995 I moved to the Catskill region of New York to serve as the Band Director for the Livingston Manor Central School District.
From 1996 through 2002 I was a founding member and Musical Director of the Swing Shift Orchestra. This was a authentic 18 piece Big Band that performed for many different occasions from private parties to being a showcase band in the last of the Catskill Hotels.
In 1997 I left Livingston Manor to work for the Paul Effman Music Service. This is a private teaching agency that provides quality instrumental music services to Private and Catholic schools. Starting in 1998 I took over the Band Program at JFK Catholic High School in Somers, NY in its 2nd year of creation with 33 kids playing level 2 music. Now, 5 years later they have a band of near 80 playing and competing at the highest level of musicianship ability.
In 1999 I started pursuing a new interest outside of just saxophone performance. I started playing for a professionally enhanced summer stock theater in Sharon, CT called TriArts. In the last 4 years I have played 7 shows for them on the following instruments: Piccolo, Flute, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, and Baritone Saxophone.
Below is a Picture From "Joseph" - you can see me in the pit in back.
In addition to TriArts, I have played numerous Musicals at local High schools and colleges including but not limited to: Marist College, SUNY New Paltz, Port Jervis High School and Pine Plains High School.
In 2002 I was invited back to SUNY Fredonia to partake in the 75th Birthday celebration performance for Dr. Walter Hartley.
This re-uniting with Dr. Hartley resulted in a piece composed specifically for David Wright (Alto Saxophone), myself (Baritone Saxophone), and Piano: entitled "Trio-Miniatures"
In 2002 I also left the Swing Shift Orchestra (because of the Birth of my son, and the purchase of my house) and accepted a less demanding role in a different Big Band as Long Term Substitute 6th Saxophonist (Its like I am the jack of all trades, in house substitute for any one in the section missing a gig) for the Wappingers Based: The Big Band Sound. Here is a picture from a recent BBS gig in which I brought along a Bass Saxophone just for a solo on "Peanut Vendor".
Also in 2002, I have gotten back to my repair backgrounds with D and M music in Pleasant Valley, NY as a summertime job.
The latest fun I have had is with 3 of my private students in forming the "Mid Hudson Saxophone Quartet".
Now The "Mid Hudson Saxophone Quartet" Is My Self and 3 other Professional Saxophonists. We have performed several recitals and gala events in the Hudson Valley.
For more info on the Mid Hudson Saxophone Quartet - Click Here.
From 1998, I teach privately and my students receive the highest NYSSMA solo scores and have little trouble getting into accredited Music Colleges upon high school graduation.
In April 2004 I became a published author by writing an interview for the Saxophone Journal on David Wright.
In May 2004, My High School Band From John F. Kennedy Catholic High School traveled to Washington DC to compete in competition. We were awarded 1st in our division, 2 outstanding section awards, and an award of distinction that ranks us among the finest bands in the country.
In September of 2004 I was asked to run the Duchess Community College Jazz Ensemble as an Adjunct Professor. During this semester I also utilized the Jazz Ensemble's rhythm section and was the acting Conductor for their Fall 2004 Production of Grease.
In January 2005 I had the pleasure of performing on Bass Saxophone with the Appalachian Saxophone Orchestra at the 2005 International Navy Band Saxophone Symposium. There I was reunited with David Wright, Dr. Laurence Wyman, and 3 of my former students whom now study with David Wright. (picture below)
In December of 2004 and again in January of 2005, I had the distinct honor of being invited to perform as a substitute Baritone Saxophonist with the World Renown West Point Band under the direction of COL Thomas Rotondi, Jr.
There are many other groups in which I have subbed or participated in the Hudson Valley.