Directors

As the director of Germantown High School’s Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Wall of Sound, and Jazz Ensemble, I help student musicians refine their skills through music that’s challenging, rewarding, interesting, and enjoyable to play. At Germantown High School, I am the advisor of Tri-M National Music Honor Society and the Ski Club. 

Being a part of students’ musical development and helping prepare them for life beyond GHS has been a great joy of teaching teenagers. As important as it is for students to reach their potential as a musician, perhaps my greater role is to impart the life lessons that are so inherent in being a part of band. The value of practice, patience, dedication, and teamwork, and the thrill of being part of something larger than one’s self, are woven into each lesson and performance. It’s my hope that when students move on to wherever their lives will take them, their band experience serves as a creative, positive force that provided friendships, inclusion, and personal enrichment.

Music has been a constant in my life. I have a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. Before beginning my Germantown teaching career in 2000, I taught in Iowa public schools and Milwaukee-area private schools. In 1998, I started the band program at Messmer High School.

A tuba player at heart, I perform in a variety of groups throughout Southeast Wisconsin. My wife, Amy (flute), and I have two sons, Matthew (horn) and Christopher (trombone). As a family, we enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, and biking, as well as going to museums and Milwaukee Bucks basketball games. We are also active in Boy Scouts.

As the Assistant Director of Bands, I conduct the Concert Winds, the large ensemble comprised of all freshman band students. In this group, the new high school students continue to develop the skills they’ve learned, while expanding their musical palate and growing towards more challenging opportunities. In addition, I also teach the Music Theory/Composition course where any student, not just band or choir, can learn the basics of music theory, notation, and technology. During the summer and fall, I fill the role of Assistant Director for the Wall of Sound, primarily coordinating the visual aspect of the group. I also teach the 8th grade brass and percussion lessons at Kennedy Middle School.

I am proud to say I’m a 2008 graduate of Germantown High School and could not be more excited to return in a teaching positon, sharing my passion and helping students to learn and grow. I received my Bachelor’s of Music from UW-Whitewater in 2014 and obtained both Instrumental and General Music certifications. During my collegiate career I performed with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I earned honors such as Principle Percussionist, Timpanist, Section Leader, and Concerto Competition Winner. In February of 2012, I performed with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Most recently, I was a member of Bucks Beats, the official drumline of the Milwaukee Bucks, performing for 12,000+ fans a night for home games and various appearances around Milwaukee. I also continue to perform and record with my alternative rock group Known to Wander.