I am currently an adjunct professor of music education at Vanderbilt University, Blair School of Music. I work in the Macy’s Parade, Tournament of Roses Parade, and music festival division of Performing Arts Consultants and am also the executive treasurer for the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association. I’m an active adjudicator and festival director throughout the southeastern United States. I was formerly the co-director and director of bands at McGavock High School for twenty-seven years. I was also the team leader for the Center of the Creative Arts and chair of the Music Department at McGavock. During my tenure, the McGavock Band was named the Tennessee State Marching Champion fifteen times; Grand Champion at the Contest of Champions in Murfreesboro, Tennessee ten times; Grand Champion of the Bands of America Southern Regional Competition three times; and a finalist at the Bands of America Grand National Championships. The band received numerous superior ratings in both concert and marching festivals and competitions. The McGavock Band participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, New York; the Orange Bowl Parade in Miami, Florida; Hollywood Christmas Parade in Hollywood, California; and Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1994, both the McGavock Band and I were awarded the Sudler Shield Award presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The National Band Association awarded me the Certificate of Merit for Marching Excellence three times. In 2005, I was named Teacher of the Year at McGavock High School and received the Educator of the Year award from the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce. I was most recently awarded the Carol Crittenden Arts Advocate of the Year award for outstanding support of music education and the performing arts in Middle Tennessee and was inducted into the Tennessee Bandmasters Hall of Fame this past spring.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Music Educator (Band Director).

What is your favorite mode of transportation and why? 

Driving, because I am mostly in control of the schedule.

If a book was written about your life, what would the title be and why? 

I Give All I Have Because It is All I Have to Give!

What is your hometown famous for? 

Nashville, TN is Music City, USA!

What is your dream travel destination? 

The beach.