Music became my passion at the age of 12. I began in 5th grade with Mrs. Carole Scott. In middle school, I realized my desire to immerse myself with music, primarily due to the teachings of Mr. Michael Bass. During my middle school years, I began to study drum set with Mr. Joe Tortenesi - who truly opened my eyes to the possibilities of the drum set (not to mention Rush!). Continuing into high school, Mr. Dennis Winnie provided the avenue I needed to pursue music at an even higher level. In college, I studied with Mr. Sam Tundo, of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and with Mr. Keith Claeys, who studied under Charlie Owen of the Philadelphia Symphony. Mr. Tundo pushed me in a manner I will never forget and Mr. Claeys showed me how to handle business & studies in the professional music world. On the conducting front, Dr. Joseph Labuta and Mr. Douglas Bianchi provided a much appreciated guidance. I will forever be in debt to all of my music teachers.
During my college years, I began performing with many Detroit area orchestras, churches, community theatre groups, and bands. I became a music director for several musical theatre productions while in college and also landed a job with the Detroit Lions, working in entertainment. In addition to working for the Lions, I made the best professional contact possible in the area - Johnny Trudell. A famed musician who played with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to all the Motown acts - Johnny is the man in the Detroit area (and everywhere!). Due to this contact, I have played with some great artists and at some great venues.
My first performance with a national act, was at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts with Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormet. Playing original Frank Sinatra charts, Gershwin, and some of their own classic hits was a real privilege - and test! Many gigs have followed through the years including: Don Rickles, Al Martino, Jerry Vale, the Irish Tenors, Glen Campbell, Bob Anderson, Michael Amantè, and many more. I will always be grateful for the break Johnny has given to me and all of the great stories I was privy to during breaks and dinner time prior to the gigs.
In addition to Johnny, his son, Jeff, mentored me in the real world of gigging. Always a supporter and a good friend, I would not have survived the big gigs without his help. He is a great drummer and a good friend (and good source of equipment in the early days!). Jeff always encouraged me and helped me in ways he may never truly understand.
Near the end of college, I began a band with bass player, Sean Harris, called Tripphorn Solution. This was an excellent band and we had lots of fun (and cool gigs!). Playing drums, arranging and writing songs was all a part of this project for me. The band played original music and classics from Tower of Power, Dave Matthews Band, Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye - to name a few. This group allowed us to play all the styles of music we wanted, and we played out regularly in some good venues (with decent pay for an 8 piece!).
In 2001, I was hired by the Taylor School District to operate the band program from which I came - Truman High School. It has been my pleasure to work with the students at Truman in the band and choir. The band has won many awards and had very cool performance opportunities, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit and several Disney parades - even leading the night parade! Working with talented students is a rewarding experience that I would not trade. Adding to my educational experiences, in 2011, I became adjunct faculty at the Wayne County Community College District teaching a basic music theory course.
In 2010, Phil Mooney and I started a full service music production company - Tessitura Music. Phil & I were junior high, and later, college classmates. We began playing in a rock band together (Downriver Zero) and evolved into a musical team. Tessitura Music was created as a result of some opportunities Phil & I had with songwriting. Tessitura Music offers writing, arranging and recording services. As members of ASCAP, we look forward to future projects.
Currently, I am a member of the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra & the Michigan Phil Jazz Trio. In 2015, I joined The Rhythm Kings which is a top 40 band playing weddings, parties, casinos and festivals. The Uptown Jazz Trio is a group I play in for corporate events, private parties, and other functions.
I have played with the 120 Minute Men - playing alternative music from the 80's - 2000's; Hubbell Street - playing jazz/pop/light rock; and a straight-up rock 'n' roll band, Downriver Zero. I also find myself playing lots of area musicals, church gigs, choir concerts, and other various session gigs. My goals include maintaining a busy performance schedule and looking to land a serious road or extended length gig. I am a member of the Detroit Federation of Musicians - Local 5. I am an adjunct music instructor at Wayne County Community College District (Downriver Campus) and at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn.
I am always looking for more work! Please contact me if you are in need of a drummer/percussionist.
During my college years, I began performing with many Detroit area orchestras, churches, community theatre groups, and bands. I became a music director for several musical theatre productions while in college and also landed a job with the Detroit Lions, working in entertainment. In addition to working for the Lions, I made the best professional contact possible in the area - Johnny Trudell. A famed musician who played with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to all the Motown acts - Johnny is the man in the Detroit area (and everywhere!). Due to this contact, I have played with some great artists and at some great venues.
My first performance with a national act, was at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts with Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormet. Playing original Frank Sinatra charts, Gershwin, and some of their own classic hits was a real privilege - and test! Many gigs have followed through the years including: Don Rickles, Al Martino, Jerry Vale, the Irish Tenors, Glen Campbell, Bob Anderson, Michael Amantè, and many more. I will always be grateful for the break Johnny has given to me and all of the great stories I was privy to during breaks and dinner time prior to the gigs.
In addition to Johnny, his son, Jeff, mentored me in the real world of gigging. Always a supporter and a good friend, I would not have survived the big gigs without his help. He is a great drummer and a good friend (and good source of equipment in the early days!). Jeff always encouraged me and helped me in ways he may never truly understand.
Near the end of college, I began a band with bass player, Sean Harris, called Tripphorn Solution. This was an excellent band and we had lots of fun (and cool gigs!). Playing drums, arranging and writing songs was all a part of this project for me. The band played original music and classics from Tower of Power, Dave Matthews Band, Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye - to name a few. This group allowed us to play all the styles of music we wanted, and we played out regularly in some good venues (with decent pay for an 8 piece!).
In 2001, I was hired by the Taylor School District to operate the band program from which I came - Truman High School. It has been my pleasure to work with the students at Truman in the band and choir. The band has won many awards and had very cool performance opportunities, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit and several Disney parades - even leading the night parade! Working with talented students is a rewarding experience that I would not trade. Adding to my educational experiences, in 2011, I became adjunct faculty at the Wayne County Community College District teaching a basic music theory course.
In 2010, Phil Mooney and I started a full service music production company - Tessitura Music. Phil & I were junior high, and later, college classmates. We began playing in a rock band together (Downriver Zero) and evolved into a musical team. Tessitura Music was created as a result of some opportunities Phil & I had with songwriting. Tessitura Music offers writing, arranging and recording services. As members of ASCAP, we look forward to future projects.
Currently, I am a member of the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra & the Michigan Phil Jazz Trio. In 2015, I joined The Rhythm Kings which is a top 40 band playing weddings, parties, casinos and festivals. The Uptown Jazz Trio is a group I play in for corporate events, private parties, and other functions.
I have played with the 120 Minute Men - playing alternative music from the 80's - 2000's; Hubbell Street - playing jazz/pop/light rock; and a straight-up rock 'n' roll band, Downriver Zero. I also find myself playing lots of area musicals, church gigs, choir concerts, and other various session gigs. My goals include maintaining a busy performance schedule and looking to land a serious road or extended length gig. I am a member of the Detroit Federation of Musicians - Local 5. I am an adjunct music instructor at Wayne County Community College District (Downriver Campus) and at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn.
I am always looking for more work! Please contact me if you are in need of a drummer/percussionist.
