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This weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of working with the amazing students from Frederick County Schools. In less than six hours, these dedicated young musicians tackled five pieces, and let me tell you- they were beyond prepared! Their teachers clearly set them up for success, and the students showed up ready to shine. We kicked off with some energizing warm-ups, and even played a few rounds of "Four Corners," debating our favorite fast food spots and streaming platforms

November 2025 On November 24th and 25th, 2025, the Somerset County Music Educators Association Chorus Festival at Berlin Brothersvalley High School was pure magic. I led the high school choir, which was huge- nearly 100 or so voices filling the room. With so much talent, I faced an impossible task choosing a soloist. So I let all 15 who auditioned share the spotlight. Katie Spiri, my host, was a gem, not only organizing but serving up the best desserts. Andrew Smith, my phen

In October 2024, I had the honor of stepping into a role I had always admired- from attendee to clinician- at the Messiah University Choral Workshop. This time, I wasn’t bringing my Baltimore students- I was leading them, along with over 300 eager participants. On Tuesday, October 8th, in Parmer Hall, I stood side by side with my former professors- Joy Meade, Rachel Cornacchio, and Yoon Soo Lim- now colleagues in this full-circle moment. We worked from 8:30 a.m. until a 5:00

February 7, 2025 On an electrifying day in 2025, the Howard County Public School Gospel Music Festival became a soul-stirring journey. Invited by Howard County Public Schools and the Howard County Center of African American Culture, I joined students ready to raise the roof. But this wasn’t just music; it was a story. Antone Caldwell, from St. John Baptist Church, painted the meaning of gospel, weaving cultural roots into every note. We sang Let Everything That Has Breath, Ma

My first District 6 adventure was unforgettable. On January 19th and 20th, 2023, I worked with a brand-new vocal ensemble called Vocal Evolutions at the PMEA District 6 Festival. This was their debut year- so it felt like a fresh musical expedition for us all. Over two days, we built their sound from the ground up. We played musical games and dove into pieces like Soul Bossa Nova, Don’t Stop the Music, You Can’t Hurry Love, and Lead With Love. Watching them embrace each song

Picture this: Tucked away in the snowy foothills, I found myself on a jazz adventure at the Tussey Mountain High School PMEA District 6 Jazz Festival. Being blessed to come back for a 2nd year, I was the vocal jazz clinician, but what I got was so much more. Students trekked in from every corner, Altoona to Northern Bedford, each carrying their own jazz dreams. We dove into a setlist that spanned from Bob James to Disney magic. Day one was a harmonic playground: jazz techniqu