Instrument: Trumpet
Joined WSO: 1984
Hometown: Cleveland Ohio area

Who was your idol growing up?
Didn’t truly idolize anyone, but certainly enjoyed Al Hirt and Herb Alpert. I didnt start becoming aware of Classical or orchestral players until I went to music school. Then, Bernard Adelstein (my teacher and 1st Trumpeter of the Cleveland Orchestra) became a huge figure in my life.

What is your favourite piece to play?
Impossible to pick out any one or even a few pieces. Trumpet solo pieces I’ve long enjoyed are the Telemann Concerto in D, Hummel Trumpet Concerto, Enesco Legende, Hindemith Sonata. Love playing any orchestral work of Mahler, Richard Strauss…. but its endless.

What is one of your most memorable live performances?
My first concert with the WSO in September of 1984 was certainly memorable. At the time, I hadnt played in a symphony orchestra in four years, and to begin my WSO career with Mussorgsky’s “Pictures At an Exhibition” was baptism by fire!

What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy running (keeps me sane!), following MLB Baseball, golf, darts, reading, and listening to music.

What or who inspires you?
Sometimes my colleagues inspire me— we have many passionate musicians in the WSO! Reading biographies about entertainers or musicians whom have worked long & hard to achieve success can also be quite inspiring.

If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would that be?
I always thought that lunch with Jimmy Stewart would be very cool!