Moondog’s “Theme”, arranged by Dustin Hurt, performed by Arcana New Music Ensemble. Photo and video by Bob Sweeney.
Aaron Smith’s Episode II for Brass Quintet, recorded by Opus 5 Brass. Audio by Alexander Kruchoski
New Music
Pursuing New and nuanced sounds
My favorite performances have been the ones that challenge classical music’s over-representation of a select few perspectives and aesthetics. I love cross-genre collaborations, premieres, and any excuse to put a dog toy squeaker in my mouthpiece.
More highlights include:
Programming and organizing the “Arcana Brass” concert with the Arcana New Music Ensemble - with a power outage the night of the show!
Performing works from Frank Zappa’s “The Yellow Shark” with Orchestra 2001
Premiering Dan Blackberg’s composition “Microfauna” just a few blocks from my home in West Philadelphia
Performing and recording with Philadelphia-based bands Square Peg Round Hole, Caracara, and The John Byrne Band
Serving as rehearsal trumpeter for Stockhausen’s KLANG, presented by Analog Arts and Elizabeth Huston
Old Music
From the orchestra’s back row
I earned a Bachelor of Music degree (2017) and a Community Artist Fellowship diploma (2018) from the Curtis Institute of Music, where I studied with Dave Bilger. I am available for live events and performances in the Philadelphia area, and I offer virtual lessons.
Highlights include:
Playing in the section with my former teachers as a substitute for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Recording a (not yet released!) album with Opus 5, my brass quintet.
Performing with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, the Lancaster Symphony, and Symphony in C
Lending a little bit of musical magic as Philadelphia brides walk down the aisle
Performing in Japan as a member of the Pacific Music Festival Orchestra Academy
Competitions
i just really like trumpet conferences, ok?
Highlights include:
Finalist, 2016 Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Solo Competition
Second Place, 2016 ITG Orchestral Excerpts Competition
First Place, 2016 NTC Small Ensemble Division
Third Place, 2015 NTC Undergraduate Solo Division
First Place, 2014 NTC Undergraduate Solo Division
Community
because music happens everywhere
Highlights include:
Making the most of the Zoom lag in a 9-hour-long marathon performance of Elliot Cole’s Flower Pot Music
Working as a teaching artist for Play On Philly and Settlement Music School - teaching early childhood classes as well as trumpet lessons
Leading a graphic score composition “pen pals” program connecting Play On Philly’s youngest students with elementary students in Melbourne, Australia
As a Curtis fellow, teaching early childhood music classes to Cramp Elementary’s Head Start students.
Leading a collaborative songwriting project at Project HOME’s Kate’s Place, also during my fellowship year