CV
SKILLS:
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Composer (Concert, Media, Theater)
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Arranger & Orchestrator (Classical, Jazz, Commercial)
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Trumpeter (Classical, Jazz, Commercial)
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Music Director & Band Leader
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Music Preparation
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Teaching
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Bilingual in English / Spanish
EDUCATION:
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B.M. in Trumpet Performance from Missouri State University (1999)
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M.M. in Music Composition in progress at Southern Methodist University (2021).
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Studied composition with Dr. Robert Frank, the late Dr. Carolyn Bremer, Dr. Michael Murray, and Dr. John Prescott.
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Studied trumpet with Dr. Neil Seipp, Dr. Grant Peters, and Adrian Griffin.
COMMISSIONS, AWARDS, PREMIERES & OTHER HIGHLIGHTS (Concert Music):
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2020 - Composed Moon Dances, my third original composition for Symphony Orchestra, which will be read by the SMU Symphony in Fall 2020.
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2020 - Completed my first one-act musical theater opera, Waiting Room, which was workshopped by the SMU Opera Department, and slated for performance before the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled all performances.
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2019 - Selected as Composer in Residence for the Irving Symphony Orchestra for the 2019-2020 season, which premiered Huapango de los Muertos for Symphony Orchestra (my second original orchestral work) on Feb. 22, 2020.
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2019 - Celestial Orbits, a musical palindrome for Wind Ensemble, premiered by the SMU Meadows Wind Ensemble.
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2019 - Commissioned by Dr. William Haugeberg of the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley to compose Huapango de los Muertos for Trombone and String Quartet. Premiered at the 2019 International Trombone Festival..
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2018 - Commissioned by Dr. Cara Pollard of Texas Christian University to compose Metamorphosis: A Butterfly's Journey of Transformation for the Imbroglio Sextet, which was recorded in Spain in August 2019, and slated to be premiered in 2020.
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2011 - Winner 2011 Cal-State Bakersfield Composition Competition for Heroes & Villains for Wind Ensemble. Performed by the Cal-State Bakersfield community concert band in Bakersfield, CA that same year.
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2010 - Winner 2010 Penfield Music Commission Project Composition Contest for Heroes & Villains for Wind Ensemble. Premiered by the Penfield High School Wind Ensemble in Rochester, NY that same year.
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2005 - Winner "Best Arrangement" 2005 Northrop International Brass Band Composition Competition in the "Arrangement" category for Carol of the Bells for Brass Band. Received public performance.
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2000 - My first original work for symphony orchestra (at the time called Orchestral Sketch #1, but later revised and adapted for Wind Ensemble and renamed Heroes & Villains) is premiered by the Missouri State University Symphony.
MUSICAL EXPERIENCE (Overview):
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (2018-present)
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Active as a composer and arranger while finishing my M.M. in Composition from SMU.
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Composed a number of chamber works, works for wind ensemble and full symphony orchestra, and a one-act musical theater opera.
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Active as a freelance trumpeter performing many different styles in many different types of ensembles.
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Active teaching private trumpet lessons to students around the DFW metroplex.
Monterrey, Mexico (2015-2017)
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Performed regularly as a freelance professional trumpeter.
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Started MonteJAZZ Vintage Bands offering a jazz combo, Dixieland band, second line band, jazz-pop combo, and swinging rock & roll band for private events.
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Wrote dozens of arrangements of jazz standards and pop songs for various combos.
Life at Sea (2014)
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Served several contracts as a showband musician onboard Princess & Carnival Cruises.
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Composed I Dream A World and an early draft of Metamorphosis.
Monterrey, Mexico (2012-2013)
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Became more active as a freelance performer after several years away from the horn.
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Began playing jazz, a habit that continues.
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Conducted a short-lived big band.
Los Angeles, CA (2001-2012)
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Worked as a freelance arranger, composer, and occasional performer.
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Composed a number of pieces for brass band and wind ensemble.
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Composed music for several independent short films.
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Worked on several musicals (never produced).
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Formed a short-lived British-style brass band, and a brass quintet
Springfield, MO (1995-2000)
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Studied at Missouri State Unviersity. Trumpet & Composition.
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Performed in the university Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, as well as local freelance gigs.
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Conducted the local Salvation Army Brass Band for 1 year.
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Composed a 7-minute orchestral piece that was later revised and adapted (and revised again) to become Heroes & Villains.
San Antonio, TX
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Started my music career in beginning band in Texas Public Schools
GOALS:
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Remain active as a full-time professional composer, arranger, and performer.
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Create an extensive catalog of concert compositions (with emphasis on wind ensemble), have them professionally recorded, frequently performed, and be regularly commissioned to write more.
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Earn a D.M.A. in Composition from a reputable university.
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Do my part to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation.