Where were you born and (if different) where did you grow up? Born in Albion, MI; grew up on Duck Lake in Olivet, MI.

Current residence and marital status/family: Wilton Manors, FL; single

Education: BA cum laude from Olivet College; MM fromUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

When did you start playing with the VSO? 1984

Other current jobs besides VSO: Retired from teaching in the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Vermont; now working at Trader Joe’s and playing in the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble and the Albany Symphony.

Favorite composer: Brahms

Hobbies: biking, swimming, cooking, reading, traveling, laughter

How did you get started in music? Playing the trombone, badly. I couldn’t even read music when I started.

Describe a typical day: Instilling a love for music in the next generation, practicing, performing.

Dream job if not musician: What I’m doing is my dream job.

Secret ambition: to be a writer

Favorite vice: chocolate

People would be surprised to know that: I enjoy country music!

Best advice I ever got: follow your heart

Favorite way to spend an evening: Being with friends; watching the sun set.

Pet peeve: People who don’t appreciate everything that life has given them.