I am passionate about music in all its forms, especially as a conductor, arranger, researcher, and teacher.
While originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, I am currently based in Lansing, Michigan. I am a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Doctoral Degree student in Wind Conducting, and I am passionate about many areas of music making.
As a specialist in contemporary music, I am proud to have commissioned/premiered over 25 new works for various ensembles. A collaborative spirit is at the center of what I do, and I have a particular love for blending genre and artform boundaries. I have been fortunate to conduct ensembles in multiple states in the U.S., and 4 countries.
Upcoming Projects:
July 21st-25th, 2026
WASBE International Conducting Competition: Finalist
Rio de Janiero, Brazil
April 7th, 2026
Doctoral Lecture Recital: Joseph Schwantner’s Sparrows
Michigan State University Billman Music Pavilion
March 20th, 2026
“Blurred Realities” Contemporary Music Program
Including works by: Brad Lubman, Jennifer Bellor, Cassie Wieland, Nick Bentz, and Carlos Lalonde
Michigan State University Museum
February 3rd, 2026
Michigan State University Symphony Band
Premiere of Maxwell Kowal’s Express for Wind Ensemble
Wharton Center for the Performing Arts
Research and Past Projects:
My doctoral dissertation research focuses on Latin American wind ensemble music, including a transcription of Ricardo Lorenz’s orchestral work Todo Terreno for wind ensemble. The transcription will premiere Fall 2026.
I recently collaborated with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Joseph Schwantner, to produce an extensive analytical paper on his work, Sparrows. This report blended approaches rooted in music theory and literary scholarship, to which the composer commented “No one has ever considered the subject in such exhaustive detail before.”
Other research centers around my recent transcription of Chick Corea’s The Continents for Chamber Winds and Jazz Combo, which is the subject of multiple articles and conference presentations.
I was fortunate in my Undergraduate training to study privately with Clifford Madsen to produce a thesis document studying the rehearsal frames and strategies of Dr. James Croft. This project was awarded a grant by the National Band Association.
Training:
My conducting teacher at Michigan State University is Kevin Sedatole. I have studied orchestration and composition with David Biedenbender, Zhou Tian, and Ricardo Lorenz.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with Honors from the Florida State University, where I studied Orchestral Conducting with Alexander Jimenez and Wind Conducting with Richard Clary.
Teaching Background:
A great point of personal pride is remaining closely tied to secondary education. In addition to my MSU responsibilities, I am an active clinician and adjudicator for school ensembles, and for Solo & Ensemble festivals. I am also proud to keep in touch with many former students!
I taught in Broward County Schools for 5 years, most recently at Charles W. Flanagan High School, where I was awarded the Broward County Music Teacher Award by the Barry Manilow Foundation. The Flanagan HS ensembles consistently received Superior ratings, and were lauded for innovative programs and collaborations. At Flanagan, we also hosted residencies on of guest composers including Wayne Oquin, Andrew Boss, Aaron Perrine, Jennifer Jolley, and Roger Zare.
Prior to Flanagan, I was the Director of Bands at Hollywood Hills High School in Hollywood FL from 2018-2019, where the Wind Ensemble received “Straight Superior” ratings for the first time in 5 years, and the Jazz Band for the first time in 10 years.
Advocacy:
I believe in extending quality music education to all students. I have made several trips to Washington D.C. to meet with legislative officials on the importance of music education, and its benefit to students. In 2016, I co-founded an event called the Florida Music Education Association Legislative Advocacy Day: an event in which music educators from all across the state gather at the Florida State Capitol to meet with legislators on points pertinent to education. This event still carries on to this day, and I have spoken at state and national music education conferences on the topic.
For inquiries regarding conducting/clinic engagements or one of my arrangements,
Please contact me via email: