1. How did your musical career begin?
My dad took me to the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga when I was 7 years old and enrolled me in private violin instruction. He had tried to convince my mom since I was 3 to let me play violin but she didn’t believe I was old enough. After about 6 months of lessons, I was on scholarship at UTC. Once I reached Jr. High and High School, I took up clarinet and bassoon in the Fort Payne band program.

2. Who are your primary musical influences?
Mark O’Connor is most definitely my idol. He’s a musical genius and fantastic violinist. He writes all of these beautiful concert pieces for a soloist, orchestra, chamber orchestra, or any other ensemble and then turns around and plays them. Not only does he perform and write classically, he can play fiddle in the bluegrass world, too. Since I play classical and bluegrass, I can respect him in a completely different light as well. Along with O’Connor, I listen to a lot of John Williams and the Beatles.

3. What do you like to listen to when you aren't playing your instrument?
When I’m not playing or listening to violin, I listen to current mainstream rock, not much pop. My taste in music is so wide and varies so much with my mood. Anything from a lot of Alternative Rock to Oldies to Southern Rock to Musicals to Jazz to Classical can be found in my stereo at any given time.

4. What are your hobbies outside of music?
I love to paint, read, and do graphic designing on the computer like building websites, making flyers, and programming power point presentations. I’m also finding that running with my dog, Musso, is especially entertaining. It’s more like he takes me for a walk, he’s a 60 lb. Airedale.

5. What has been your greatest opportunity provided to you because of your musical talent?
Doors to further my education have been opened, I’ve had the chance to go to different places that many only dream of, and I’ve had the great privilege to meet many astounding people. Honor bands are very exciting. Having a very renowned composer conduct you is exhilarating.

6. What are your favorite movies or television shows?
My favorite movies are “The Godfather” & “The Birdcage.” As far as television, when I do get to watch it, I usually flip over to “Veronica Mars” or “The O.C.”

7. You can have dinner with any four people, living or dead. Who would they be?
William Shakespeare, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Robin Williams, and John Lennon

8. What are your plans after high school?
Go to college, major in Music Education or English, minor in Computer Graphic Design, and go to Graduate School. After that: get married, buy a house, get a dog (perhaps a cat), have kids, gripe about taxes, and live happily ever after! (My mom says “Hopefully in that order”)

9. Who is your favorite historical figure?
Jesus Christ, simple as that.

10. Describe yourself in four words.
Loving, Spontaneous, Responsible, and Self-Critical