My Saxophone Story

My musical journey began when I was in the fifth grade and picked up the clarinet for the first time. Music quickly became an important part of my life, and as I continued to grow as a musician, I discovered the saxophone. During my freshman year at Mississinewa High School in Gas City, Indiana, I began playing the baritone saxophone. The following year, I transitioned to alto and tenor saxophones, where I truly found my musical voice.

Throughout high school, my love for jazz continued to grow. During my senior year, I was honored to receive the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, recognizing my dedication and passion for jazz music.

A major influence in my musical development came during my time living in Las Vegas, Nevada. I had the incredible opportunity to study with Bob Pierson, who was Frank Sinatra’s featured saxophonist. I spent five years studying with Bob, learning not only saxophone technique but also musicianship, phrasing, and the art of performing.

Before leaving Las Vegas, I had the special opportunity to purchase Bob’s Selmer Paris Super Action 80 tenor saxophone. This instrument carries a unique history, as Bob can be seen playing that very saxophone during Frank Sinatra’s performance in Sinatra in Japan: Live at the Budokan Hall, Tokyo. Owning and playing an instrument with that kind of musical connection has always been very meaningful to me.

In 1995, I moved to Austin, Texas, where a new chapter in my musical journey began. Along with Rick Holman, I founded an R&B band called Fire By Night. The band gave me the opportunity to perform, grow, and share music with others. After Fire By Night eventually came to an end, I continued performing throughout the Austin area with a variety of Blues, R&B, and Smooth Jazz groups.

Today, I call the Maryville, Tennessee area home, where music continues to be an important part of who I am.

For more than 40 years, the saxophone has been my primary musical voice and has given me countless opportunities to perform, learn, and connect with others through music. Later in life, my musical journey expanded when I decided to take on one of my greatest challenges: learning the Great Highland Bagpipes. While the saxophone and bagpipes are very different instruments, both require dedication, patience, and a lifelong commitment to improvement.

Looking back, I realize that music has never simply been about learning notes or playing an instrument. It has been about the experiences, friendships, memories, and special moments created along the way. Whether performing jazz on the saxophone, playing with a band, or standing with a pipe band in full Highland dress, music continues to challenge me, inspire me, and remind me that there is always something new to learn.