I am a long time performer with a knowledge of a various music styles and genres. As a phenomenal musician once said, “Keep that left hand in time and you’ll be just fine!” —Joseph House, possibly one of the greatest drummer of the Louisiana area. Besides the practical musical application, it speaks of consistent perseverance and the ability to move forward.

Since birth my parents exposed me to a wide range of music and literature. At 7 years old I began singing in the St. Edward Children’s Choir & High Energy Youth Choir. Beginning in middle school I started to play saxophone because I was fascinated with joining the school’s concert band. Having older siblings that were also in high school marching band helped grow my musical interests even more.

Once in high school, I eventually joined the percussion section my junior year. I went on to join the drumline at New Iberia Senior High School and continued my percussive pursuits at the collegiate level for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Music Programs: The Pride of Acadiana Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, University Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble.

My time at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette sparked my interest in teaching. Working with young musicians in the community and exposing them to what music can do for them is a great way to “give back.” A year after graduating high school I accepted the position as a percussion instructor for the New Iberia Senior High School (NISH): Pride of Cajunland Band and NISH Indoor Marching Percussion.

Also, in 2010 I started my career as a performing musician and joined the Bunk Johnson Brazz Band as the snare drummer. My performing journey then lead me into joining the Sydney and the SAMs R&B music group as the drum set player and sound engineer. 

There have been many ‘gigs’, but there’s nothing quite like teaching music. It is a means to give back to the community; to shape a “young musician rascal” and introduce them to a life of discipline and creativity. It might even turn them into a skilled educator and performer. This feeling lead me to my next opportunity.

Bunk Johnson Creative Arts was the next venture. It offers individual attention, multiple performance opportunities, and great peer mentoring for musicians at the Academy. Students can take private lessons as well as participate in ensembles to prepare them for future music studies.

I plan to continue my career as a music educator and performer, to inspire the next generation of young musicians. To expose them to the many things music can offer. 

So as always, “Keep that left hand in time and you’ll be just fine!”