I was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1983 and my earliest interactions with music involve my mother, grandmother, and youngest uncle usually having an impromptu blues or gospel concert.  At the time I didn't appreciate having to be a ten-year-old DJ but as I reflect on those experiences, they were my earliest music lessons.  Those countless hours of listening to my family do their best impressions of the Canton Spirituals, Dorothy Moore, or Sara Vaughan, instilled an attraction to a variety of musical styles. 

      My curiosity for exploration peaked during my fifth-grade year at Clausell Elementary.  A trio of things that caused this: Spike Lee's Malcolm X, a black history project on Dizzy Gillespie, and my amazing music teacher, Mr. Guy Buford.  Mr. Buford was an awesome musician, motivator, and educator.  He started my eventual journey to the classroom.  I gained a different appreciation for music by experiencing reading, singing, playing, and performing at an early age.  I saw how much he enjoyed teaching and I knew I would love to do the same thing. 

      I joined the band program at Hardy Middle School under Mrs. Jennifer Lloyd.  Mrs. Lloyd was a star teacher and our program thrived.  She introduced me to trumpet and euphonium.  I excelled and to this day, I model elements of her teaching style to this day in my classroom.  She's a pillar in the band community.  In addition to my performance in the band hall, I excelled academically.  As a result, my mother wanted me to experience a more rigorous setting, so I attended William B. Murrah High School.  At that time, Murrah was the best high school in the State of Mississippi ranking as high as #232 in the nation by USA Today.  Dr. Eddie Peasant, current superintendent of schools in Starkville, was Director of Bands and a tremendous influence on my career.  I learned how to be resourceful, how to work with students, and how to engage the community.  He also had an all-star cast of directors: Ayatey Shabazz who is a published composer/arranger and owner of DevMusic; and jazz coordinator, Tony Winters who was the former Director of Bands at Provine High School where earned 20+ years of consecutive Superior Ratings in both marching and concert evaluations.  This is significant because I've been privileged to encounter highly motivated and successful music educators during every phase of my public education.  I would watch Mr. Shabazz arrange music for the band program and this is where I was introduced to theory, voicing, and orchestration.  He would also give me my first opportunity to arrange for the marching band.  Mr. Winters was in the latter stages of his career and he would work with the gifted students in the Jazz Ensemble.  We toured, recorded CDs, and gigged across town.  He taught me the value of allowing students to express themselves and showcase the full potential of their musical talent.  He also taught me the value of appearance.  I don't think I ever saw him wear the same suit twice.  I participated in all of the honor bands throughout middle and high school.  These included All-City, Festival, Solo & Ensemble,  Capital District Honor Band, All-State Honor, & and the State Band Clinic.  

      After graduation, I attended Jackson State University on both band (Euphonium) and orchestral (Tuba) scholarships concentrating on Music Education.  I completed both undergraduate and graduate work, gaining my Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Education.  I actively participated in the world-renowned “Sonic Boom of the South” Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra. I also served as a graduate assistant to the band department and upon completion, taught adjunct classes at the university.  During this time, I would refine my understanding of "teaching" by observing some of the best in the world.  Dr. Lewis Liddell was the Director of Bands and the first person I encountered at the university.  He is the visual embodiment of "Old School Band Director".  His knowledge of literature, musical content, and instrumental pedagogy is mind-blowing.  From him, my concept of marching & symphonic band came full circle.  My concept of interpretation is directly connected to the wide variety of literature provided by applied instructors: Dr. David Ware, Dr. Robert Blaine, and Dr. London Branch.  The most influential professors were Dowell Taylor (Ret. Director of Bands/Music Technology) and Ms. Lannie Spann McBride (Music Education).  They taught me the importance of establishing connections with students and how to deliver quality instruction tailor-made to meet the needs of students' individuality.  Again, I've been privileged to have great music instructors throughout my educational experience.