My hometown is Rochester, NY.  I started playing the tuba when I was in 3rd grade.  My Mom was a 4th grade teacher.  I would ride to school with her every morning - we would get to school 30 minutes early every day.  It was during this free 30 minutes that I developed solid practice habits and built good early playing skills.  The tuba bacame an enjoyable part of my school day - So much so that I knew in 7th grade what I wanted to do for a living - I wanted to be a band teacher.  I was very lucky to have as my teacher in both Junior High School & High School a gentleman named Mr. Robert Zale.  Mr. Zale was a tuba player himself.  I had weekly lessons with Mr. Zale that both challenged my skills and taught me how to play "musically".  I learned how important the tuba is to the overall sound of the band.  My current tuba (baritone, trombone and french horn) students all are told and taught with the understanding of how important we are to a good band sound.

     Back in 1973 I finished my undergraduate studies at both the Eastman School of Music & Fredonia State.  I spent my first 15 years teaching in the Hudson City School District up in Columbia County.  I came to Arlington 17 years ago.  I have been very fortunate to become a music teacher in Arlington and also to coach soccer for the UVMS boys modified team!  Middle school students are capable of outstanding musical production.  Practice & concentrate and you will succeed!!