Music Background and Experience
There is probably more information here than anyone would want to read, but for the very curious, here it is.
THE EARLY YEARS
I started taking music lessons (piano) in third grade and continued through high school. My first woodwind lessons were in fifth grade.
My High School Music Director was jazz musician, Doc DeHaven. I was selected as Featured Senior Soloist for the final concert of the year, for our graduating class.
Doc DeHaven invited me, years later, to sit-in (on several occasions) with the Highway 151 Jazz Band. (Musicians: Doc DeHaven, Brad Prageant, Mike Carrol and Jerry Martin. Also sitting-in, Cliff Fredrickson.)
In high school, had a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in a composite mass band under the direction of Merideth Wilson (composer of the musical, “Music Man”).
While in high school, I was invited to join the existing "Sons Of Liberty" rock band, and remained with them through the transition to becomming the band known as "CARISMA". Musicians included Mike McClusky, Mark Rider, Jeff Peterson, Tom Swenson, Paul Vidas, Art Gonzales, Denny Morrison, Jim Schwebke, and road staff; Craig Rider and Bart Tooker.
MUSIC OF THE CHURCH
Ten years as Music Coordinator and pianist for Eastside Christian Church in the 1980’s.
Five years on-call organist for Meriter chapel (Chaplain Gibbs Clauder in the 1980’s).
Eight years volunteer for prison music ministry at Oak Hill Correctional (Chaplain Bob Groth) and Columbia Correctional Maximum Security Prison -1980’s, ‘90’s.
Regularly scheduled contemporary worship instrumentalist on woodwinds and occasional keyboards, (as well as past participant in vocal ensembles, choir and drama) at Lake City Church (Music Minister Brian Friberg, former Sr. Pastor Warren Heckman and currently, Mitch Milton) since 1987.
Substitute on keyboards and woodwinds for Community Christian Church (Pastor Sam Fox - 2003).
Guest Instrumentalist at Christ Church of Madison (Pastor Phil Carlson - 2002).
Keyboard accompanist for two vocal groups (“Salt of The Earth” and “Chordvettes”) for 20 years.
Musician at numerous weddings, funerals and special events including churches of many different denominations in Dane County and southern Wisconsin.
BANDS AND GROUPS
Instrumentalist and vocalist in various bands, including: Shiloh, Common Ground Swing Band, Vertical Vision, Dan Anderson Jazz Quartet (CD 2001), Highway To Heaven (CD 2004), and Lake City Legends. Styles of music ranged from Christian Rock, Big Band / Swing Band, Country, Jazz, Blues and Contemporary Classical.
Toured for 4 years with the “CARISMA” band throughout the Midwest and a concert in Canada. Opening band for "Muddy Waters Blues Band" concert at Piccaso Plaza in Oshkosh, WI. Opening band for "Ides of March" ("Vehicle" - Top 40) at the Appleton Aire concert in Wisconsin.
Soloist with Daniel Anderson for 4 concerts in Long Island, New York, including Stoneybrook School and Samantha's Little Bit Of Heaven.
RECORDING PROJECTS
CD with Dan Anderson, Jim Burke and Cort Howard, originally scheduled for release in 2001, entitled "Imagination".
CD with "Highway To Heaven" in 2003, entitled "Are We There Yet?"
CD with the "Don McDougal Band" entitled "Pressed".
Guest musician on a released album project with "Scott Miller".
OTHER HONORS
Several enjoyable engagements with jazz pianist, Bob Egan, from the Twin Cities. (One particularly memorable evening at Middleton's Louisiannes.)
Numerous duos with jazz and gospel pianist, Dr. Robert Migneault.
Guest musician at Grace Community Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA
Guest musician for events at Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Menomonie, WI.
Campus Outreach Concert for UW Stout, at the Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie, WI
Madison Praise Night at the Oscar Meyer Theater
Collaboration with Charles, Coley and Tre McNair, "The McNair Brothers", at Edgewood College and at a Promise Keeper's event at Lake City Church, Madison, WI.
Guest musician with the retro-rock '60's band, "The Corvettes".
Music Producer for Banana Productions Theater Group, assisting Katherine Conrad - Drama Director and Performer, and David Usitalo - Production Coordinator and Editor.
My thanks to each one of you, excellent musicians, friends, event coordinators and church staff for giving me the opportunity to share one of my life passions, music!
.jpg)