Work Samples and Interviews

Some of the ways to see and hear me in action. I am a versatile musician and conductor, and I love to share my passion for music with others.

Conducting

Selections from The Wizard of Oz

McAllen Wind Ensemble | With Heart and Song Concert | April 2023

I'm leading the McAllen Wind Ensemble in a performance of the music from the classic movie The Wizard of Oz. (For wind ensemble)

Pan Suite - Max Brauer

Old Friends and New Hellos | February 19th, 2024

I'm leading musicians from the McAllen area in the virtually unknown work by Max Brauer, a German composer. (For small wind ensemble)

Star Wars Conducting Reel - John Williams

Black Diamond Philharmonic | Setpember 23rd, 2023

This video includes clips of me conducting the Diamond Philharmonic in a performance of the orchestra suites from the original trilogy and The Force Awakens. Full video available upon request. (For full orchestra)

Clarinet

Fantasie - Jorg Widmann

Sour Pretzels | May 19th, 2024 | McAllen, Texas

For solo clarinet. This piece shows off the clarinet's range and colors, including multiphonics and other non-traditional sounds.

Fantasiestuck - Robert Schumann

Sour Pretzels | May 19th, 2024 | McAllen, Texas

Jan Pacis-Rama and I perform Schumann's dark, rich, and romantic Fantasiestuck for clarinet and piano.

Sonata for Clarinet and Piano - Johannes Brahms

Sour Pretzels | May 19th, 2024 | McAllen, Texas

Jan Pacis-Rama and I perform Brahms' first sonata for clarinet and piano at the First Presbyterian Church in McAllen as part of the Sour Pretzels recital. Has introductory remarks.

Premiere Rhapsodie - Claude Debussy

Toasted Baguettes | November 19th, 2022 | McAllen, Texas

Jan Pacis-Rama and I perform Debussy's final exam piece written for the Paris Conservatory. Lush chords, charming melodies, and a variety of characters and moods make this piece a favorite.

Interviews

Using Your Creativity to Step Outside the Traditional Model

Musicians Can Thrive Podcast, January 2020

In the music world and pop culture, it’s easy to find stories about the dream of becoming a star - often in either the rock or pop music scenes. What doesn’t get talked about as much, is the classical music world. How musicians find themselves drawn to that path, rather than more popular kinds of music. How musicians can be creative about making money, and shaping a new kind of career in the classical music world. With Gabrielle Pitman.

The US Navy’s 7th Fleet Band Trains in Yokosuka

Interview with AFN, September 2013

The Navy’s 7th Fleet Band stationed at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, is widely known as the heartbeat of the Pacific. But the band didn’t earn that reputation by accident. It takes dedication, teamwork, and commitment to the craft to put on a good show. Petty Officer Kirk Putnam introduces us to one member of the band who exhibits the passion that all members need, to make the band a success.