 HOMETOWN: Sioux City, IA
UNI DEGREE: Bachelor of Music in Education, May 2001
ADDITIONAL DEGREES: Pursued Master of Music at Indiana University prior to winning the audition at West Point. Since then, in the interest of becoming more “well-rounded,” I have earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA
EMAIL:
CURRENT RESIDENCE: New Windsor, New York
OCCUPATION: Trumpet, United States Military Academy Band
GREATEST LIFE EXPERIENCE: Without question, my two children, Madison and Caden!
STRANGEST LIFE EXPERIENCE: Sitting in a car with Apollo astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Frank Borman, and Al Worden. It certainly seems strange why I was in that situation, particularly as a musician, but their conversation regarding why or why not NASA would never get to Mars was enlightening nonetheless. Perhaps this situation should be dubbed “most surreal life experience.”
GREATEST PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES: (1) Performing as a guest soloist at the Kennedy Center (In fact, it could be argued that my dressing room for this gig could be included as one of my “strangest life experiences.” Let’s just say, I was in awe of the opportunity!).
(2) Playing the National Anthem at Game 6 of the 2003 World Series.
(3) Getting to send a CD, in which I play, to the International Space Station (It was in orbit for 6 months.).
UNI TRUMPET STUDIO MEMORIES: There are so many, but here are a few…
(1) The early morning rush to Russell Hall in order to obtain Room 100 for warming-up (Once GBPAC opened, getting a large room became a lot easier!).
(2) Completing my Trumpet Notebook every semester!
(3) Rooming with Nathan Stucky on our trip to Hungary. If you know Nathan, be sure to ask him about our adventures with our host family!
(4) I will never forget the first time I played with the Bill Shepherd Big Band, along with Bryan Bennett and Dr. Grabowski. It was during this gig that I heard the most glorious, rounded High-F…Dr. Grabowski, you are the man!
(5) Recital Reports!!! :)
All kidding aside, reflecting upon my time at UNI, I have nothing but fond memories. Studying trumpet there provided me with a multitude of performance opportunities (both within and outside the School of Music) and exposed me to a plethora of remarkable recitals and concerts. Furthermore, Dr. Grabowski’s pedagogical approach to the horn has not only positively impacted my playing, but I continually find myself incorporating his approach in my private studio teaching. I think it is important to note the trumpet section in which I currently play is comprised of graduates from Juilliard, Curtis, Indiana University, Manhattan School, and North Texas. What I have found is that the insight presented to me during my UNI trumpet studio experience is on par with my colleagues’ educational experience- a reality in which I am extremely grateful. Thank you, Dr. Grabowski! | 
