Currently, I serve as a Doctoral Lecturer teaching music education courses the Aaron Copland School of Music. I am also the conductor of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Prior to this appointment, I held other teacher-scholar and service leadership roles that demonstrated my commitment to educational excellence and student success. I was appointed the esteemed position of University Supervisor for Indiana University (IU) undergraduate music education teacher candidates. Concurrently, I was a member of the IU music education faculty edTPA planning committee, which was designed to provide music education students with informative materials in preparation for their edTPA K-12 performance assessment.

Thereafter, I became an Associate Instructor for the IU Jacobs School of Music Education Department, co-teaching classes for Methods and Materials for Teaching in three areas: Instrumental Music, Elementary Music, and Choral Music. I was an Associate Instructor and Coordinator for the Young Winds Program at the Jacobs School of Music. I mentored and instructed undergraduate music education majors on conducting technique and band program organization, as well as developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to support this middle school community program. Furthermore, while serving as the Associate Instructor for the IU Soul Revue — one of three performance ensembles in the African American Arts Institute — I co-conducted, composed and arranged horn parts, and played lead trumpet with the ensemble. I also served as the trumpet studio professor at Westchester Community College.

Prior to my college appointments, I served 18-years as a full-time music educator in the K-12 New York public school system. I taught general music, music technology, choir, as well as concert, marching, and jazz bands. With my performance ensembles, I planned and executed numerous local, state, and national performances. I also co-directed the Latin Jazz Ensemble at the Music Conservatory of Westchester. In addition, I founded ‘Jazz Elite,’ an auditioned Westchester County, New York jazz program for middle and high school students.

During my career, I performed in numerous ensembles of various genres as well as received instruction and mentorship from accomplished and diverse conductors who fueled my passion for conducting and influenced my artistic style. Some influencers were Ron Carter, Cecil Bridgewater, John Clayton, Dr. Raymond Wise, Cecilia Smith, Alondra de la Parra, Kenneth Kiesler, Marin Alsop, Anthony Maiello, to name a few. I studied with classical trumpeters, Edmund Cord, Joey Tartell, Vincent Penzarella, and Jon Dugle as well as jazz trumpeters, Patrick Harbison, Joe Magnarelli, and Cecil Bridgewater who personally invited me to perform in the Tenth Annual Kennedy Center Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Big Band. Under the direction of Dr. Tyron Cooper (IU), I performed on two PBS documentaries; one of which won an Emmy. While at IU, I performed in the prestigious Latin Jazz Ensemble, jazz combos, and concert band. I also performed with numerous local and nationally renowned bands and individual artists from various genres, e.g., gospel, R&B, and blues.

In addition, I was awarded Western Illinois University’s (WIU) top prize in their conducting competition. At the same time, I recorded “At the Crossroads” album with WIU’s Jazz Studio Orchestra. Lastly, I had the esteemed pleasure of playing and touring with the World-Famed Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band.. Collectively, these experiences were invaluable to my personal and professional development as a musician, conductor, and educator. Opportunities to perform around the world in diverse environments and with numerous renowned and accomplished musicians and conductors were very inspiring and life changing. Having lived these experiences inspires me to provide similar opportunities for my students to learn and develop their creative skills and disciplines.

I believe the best educators are lifelong learners. They strive for excellence, search for innovative and creative teaching strategies, and lead by example. Thus, I regularly attend educational clinics and conferences, stay abreast of current music education research and technologies, and strive to put my education to practice through conducting and instrumental performances.

Best educators also provide positive and safe learning environments for future leaders to be intellectually curious, grow and express themselves while still showing respect and love for others. I strive to provide such space in my classrooms, band programs and private instructions. As a musician, conductor and educator, I believe it is my responsibility to empower students to fulfill their aspirations, be engaged responsible citizens, transformative leaders and creators through Music, with the key ingredient being Love.