I come from a mixed heritage background of Cherokee, Scotch-Irish, German and English. I first started to study music in grade school, where I was introduced to the trumpet. In high school and through college I studied classical trumpet and theory with Charles Daval and Eddie Hauge (both of whom were formerly with the San Francisco symphony). I have received many awards, including the John Philip Souza Award, plus awards for solo competitions. In 1975 and 1976, I participated in a nation wide audition and was accepted for the America Youth in Concert, which was sponsored by the Universal Academy for Music, Princeton, New Jersey. Along with the many local and state honor bands, I was also presented the award of "Outstanding Musician" at the University of the Pacific (Stockton) music camp.

After earning an associate arts degree with honors, I co-conducted the Dance Band Reflections from 1979 through 1981. In 1982, my brother Steve and I formed the Dance Orchestra Fantasy, which we led and conducted for three years. In October of 2000 I was the Music Director and a featured artist in the Native American Musical "Dancing the Circle". From 1976 until present, I have continued to teach music privately.

In March of 1995 I went to Tucson, AZ to study with R. Carlos Nakia. Upon returning home, I started to design and make my own flutes, which I not only sell, but use for recording and performances.

I currently have four Native American flute CD's available for sale which are being carried by the Jackson Rancheria along with countless other Native American Casino's, Trading post's and Gallery's.

A co-composed song between myself, and Jack Kohler, was aired on the PBS documentary "California's Lost Tribes" in April 2006. Along with this song, I composed music for two other Native American documentaries that were also aired on PBS. The first was named "We Pray with Tobacco" and the second was "Chief Mountain Hot Shots" both of these documentaries were produced by Petroglyph Productions

In 2007 I was hired by the Calaveras County Office of Education to teach a beginning band class for Mountain Oaks School at their Pine Grove location.

In 2008 I was hired to play the principle Trumpet for the Sierra Symphony's Butterfly Pop's concert. I also played 1st chair with the "Great Sonora Reed & Brass Band" which is a invitation only band and in April, I along with my brother Steve established "Pick Up the Baton" Community music program. We teach all levels of band instrument and all ages. 2008 also saw the formation of the "High Mountain Brass" which is a Brass Quintet based in the foothills of the Mother Lode, and 2009 as an offshoot of Speakeazy Jazz Orchestra, Steve and I fomred the "Cherokee Winds, Sax & Brass Quartet" included is Soprano, Alto, Baritone Sax and Flugelhorn. We perform all styles of music, like Classical, Jazz, Swing, Pop, Disney, Ragtime, Christmas & Holiday, and 50's. Look for more information in the coming months for photos and clips of this group.

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