I was very lucky to grow up in a loving family of six kids in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In our household music was ever present with all of singing and taking lessons on an instrument; it’s no wonder five of us became professional musicians! In Cedar Rapids, the public schools had a thriving music program with wonderful music educators, and students could start instrumental lessons in third grade. My best friend was starting violin and, having a toothless grin at the time, I decided to join him on a embouchure-free instrument. The rest is history.

As far as memorable performances, there have been so many! Live chamber music performances on WFMT radio in Chicago and Wisconsin Public Radio, premiering new solo works, making recordings, performing some of the great concerti across the country, and being able to make music with my wonderful colleagues in the CWSO.

I was playing a live recital performance on Wisconsin Public Radio with pianist Michael Keller at the Elvehjem Museum of Art in Madison, and half-way through the first piece, a photographer came within a few feet of us and starting snapping photos for several minutes. Security finally came and removed him; all of this while continuing to perform for our live audience in the hall and on the radio. After the concert they informed us that the photographer was not paparazzi, but rather a university student taking a photography class who thought it would be fun to capture some impromptu moments.

Hobbies include biking, hiking, reading, and sharing time with family and friends across the country.