Bio
Dedicated and versatile saxophonist/music educator with experience in music performance, private instruction, and K-12 education. Currently studying saxophone under Dr. Matthew James, DMA (University of North Texas), Professor of Saxophone at Ohio University. Skilled across a wide range of musical disciplines, including classical, jazz, contemporary styles, and composition, with extensive experience performing in large ensembles, chamber groups, and solo settings. Extremely committed to creating a learning environment revolving around independent pedagogical approaches based on the students' distinct capabilities, needs, and desires.
Experience
Currently a fifth-year student-athlete at Ohio University pursuing a B.A. in Music Education and Saxophone Performance. Distinct member of the Ohio University Saxophone Studio, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble 1, "Nails On A Chalkboard" Saxophone Quartet, and The Nathaly Pagoaga Reed Quintet. Treasurer of the Ohio University Jazz Club, as well as a member of the Ohio University Men's Cross Country team.
Accolades/
Professional Development
Winner of the 2025 Ohio University Student Soloist Competition, competing against the best musicians in the School of Music. Also received individual recognition as an Outstanding Performer for Ohio University Jazz Ensemble 1’s First Prize Performance at the 2024 California State University Bakersfield Doug Davis Endowment, awarded for the ensemble’s recording of Doug Davis’s “B & Me,” which secured a $4,000 award for the OU Jazz Program. A four-time participant in the Ohio University Jazz Ensemble 1 tour, engaging professionally with hundreds of elementary, middle, and high school students, offering performances, outreach, and educational experiences across the region. Additional honors include being a three-time Academic All-MAC athlete within the Ohio University Men’s Cross Country team, a five-time Dean’s List recipient, and the 2020 John Philip Sousa Award winner from Lake High School. Performance achievements also include presenting Ohio University’s first soprano saxophone-only recital. Serving as treasurer of the Ohio University Jazz Club, offering leadership within the university’s jazz community, and overseeing the financial coordination necessary to bring professional jazz musicians to perform at the university.
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
WORK EXPERIENCE
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
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Wind Symphony
Principle Saxophonist
Ohio University School of Music
2021 – Present
● Principle saxophonist in the Ohio University Wind Symphony under the direction of Dr. William Talley.
● Distinctive performances with dozens of professional musicians and conductors, including performances with guest conductors from Brazil and Ghana.
Jazz Ensemble I
Lead Saxophonist
Ohio University School of Music
2022 – Present
● Lead alto saxophonist in the university’s premier jazz ensemble under Dr. Matthew James.
● Collaborations with guest artists including John Fedchock, Jocelyn Gould, and Tito Carrillo.
● Participated in four regional tours across OH, WV, and KY.
● Doubling experience on flute/piccolo, clarinet, and soprano/tenor saxophone as required by ensemble repertoire.
Nails on a Chalkboard
Soprano Saxophonist
Ohio University School of Music
2022 – Present
● Currently filling the soprano saxophone chair of Ohio University’s top student saxophone quartet.
● Four-year participant in the Saxophone Quartet Summits at Ohio University
Mount Tom House Summer Intern
Eugene, Oregon
May 2023 – Aug 2024 (seasonal)
● Selected for a two-summer internship opportunity with Ohio University Cross Country alumni Juli Accurso and Craig Leon at the Mount Tom House in Eugene, Oregon.
● Contributed to both exterior and interior operations, including landscaping, outdoor maintenance, communication/hospitality, and event preparation.
Ohio University
Athens, OH
2021 – 2026
● Bachelor of Music in Music Education Instrumental Emphasis & Saxophone Performance (Expected Spring 2026). 3.7 cumulative GPA.
● Ohio University Men's Cross Country
Lake High School
Uniontown, OH
2017 – 2021
● High School diploma, class of 2021