You may ask "Exactly what kind of guy is crazy enough to teach middle school strings?" Well... this kind of guy. My history I moved to Guilford when I was in second grade and started playing cello in fourth grade. I began private lessons in fifth grade with Jennifer Sills then studied with Ann West and Rebecca Patterson through high school. For fun, I picked up guitar in high school and despite any amount of dust on it, I still play. At The University of Connecticut I studied Music Education, sang in a cappella groups, competed with the Ballroom Dance team and stayed very active as a cellist in chamber groups, orchestras and recitals. Before leaving the Storrs area, I had also built a substantial private violin/viola/cello studio which I left when I began working in Guilford. It was also at UConn that I founded my now-retired chamber group, Arioso Ensemble, with whom I played and managed musicians for over 200 weddings between 2004 and 2011. For three summers during college I taught Teddy Bear Rhythms, an infancy through pre-K music class and built skills that I jokingly claim to use on a regular basis at Adams.
Professional Involvement Since starting work at Adams Middle School, I have been on the board of Connecticut chapter of the American String Teachers Association, serving as president for two of those years. For the Connecticut Music Educators Association, I have judged regional and all-state auditions, served as chair (manager) for regional festival orchestras and conducted other region's orchestras. Outside of Adams, I conduct an advanced full orchestra with Neighborhood Music School and own a rosin company; Rockin' Rosin. In summer 2014 I finished my Masters in Music Education, Emphasis in Conducting at Colorado State.
Just for fun... When I'm not working on music-related fun, I can be found outdoor rock climbing, skiing (lift or backcountry) and touring around the US in the van that my wife and I converted into a camper.