About Me

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Atlanta, GA, United States
When I suffered a lip injury that ended my career as a classical trombonist, I thought my life as a musician was finished, but I fell in love with music all over again when Santa gave me a guitar for Christmas in 2003. Even as I was struggling with my first chords, I was planning a new performance career. As a trombonist, I performed with the Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base, the Ohio Light Opera, and in pick-up bands for touring acts that included Rosemary Clooney, George Burns, and the Manhattan Transfer. Reborn as a jazz guitarist, I sing and play my own solo arrangements of jazz classics, am half of the Godfrey and Guy duo, and hold the guitar chair in the Sentimental Journey Orchestra. I have been a freelance music copyist since 1995, served as Director of Music at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation from 2011 to 2017, and currently serve as Contemporary Band Director at the same congregation.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Transition

I'm so excited about moving to Albuquerque in June. I'm also putting things in order in Atlanta before I leave.

I teach approximately thirty private students. Many of my students are either very young or started taking lessons when they were little. Come to think of it, I've known many of them over half their lives. I would hate to see any of them give up learning an instrument just because I'm leaving. I'll be helping them find new teachers.

About five years ago, I formed a contemporary band at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation. This has been a meaningful experience for everyone involved. I am no longer the Director of Music at NWUUC, so the fate of the band is ultimately out of my hands, but the current Director of Music would like to keep it going, and I'll be happy to do what I can to help the band continue after I'm gone.

Finally, Godfrey and Guy, which has by far been my favorite musical experience. Playing and singing with Lori is always a pleasure. She is a terrific singer and is a joy to work with. I wish I could take her to Albuquerque to continue making music together, but her husband and family might take issue with that idea. We've spent years developing a repertoire, and I hope to see her continue performing after I'm gone. I sing about 25% of the Godfrey and Guy repertoire. I just finished transposing all my vocals into keys that suit Lori's range. I've also lined up a guitarist to take my place when I'm gone. A lot can happen between now and June, so I don't want to name the guitarist yet. Let's just say that my future replacement can play circles around me, and Lori will have a top notch guitarist to play with her.

While I'm looking forward to new adventures in the Southwest, I hope to see my Atlanta musicians and students flourish, and I'll do what I can to help with the transition.

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