As a Boulder native, I first developed a love for the trumpet and jazz by listening to a Louis Armstrong record my mother played over and over. I was totally captured when I saw him perform live. Thanks Louie and Thanks Mom! I have been a music educator since 1967 and recently retired as Director of Jazz Studies and Director of Bands at Fairview High School. I also served as Instrumental Music Coordinator for Boulder Valley Schools. My marching, symphonic and jazz bands at Fairview consistently received superior ratings at contests and festivals, and I increased the curriculum to four jazz bands and eight jazz combos. Over the years, several of my students have gone on to become professional musicians and educators.
In 1991 I was chosen as Colorado Jazz Educator of the Year. I have served as the guest director for the Colorado Bandmasters’ Association Small School All State Jazz Band and I am a noted judge and clinician. I have also directed the Mile High Jazz Festival All-Star Band, and the Colorado Jazz Workshop Wednesday Night Band. Currently I am on the faculty of the Center for Musical Arts (Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts). In charge of Jazz Studies at the Center, I direct the CMA Jazz Ensemble, 3 jazz combos, and teach Jazz Improvisation.
As a trumpeter, I have performed with many well-known artists and continue to play as a freelance musician. In recognition of my contributions and dedication to advancing music education, I was inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame in January 2010, and in August 2013, I was named the Pacesetter for Arts and Entertainment by the Boulder Daily Camera. Recently I received the distinction of being named a Longmont 100 Recipient.
I have served on the Faculty Leadership Council at the Center for Musical Arts and the stage was recently named in honor of “Mr. C” in Founder’s Hall at the Center. In addition, I have also served on the Grant Panel for Pathways to Jazz, which grants scholarships to upcoming Jazz Artists. Artists I have performed with include: Nancy Wilson, Sonny & Cher, Bob Hope, Carol Channing, Tom Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Barry Manilow and several others.