I have been a member of this fine orchestra for almost 30 years. I have had the honor of playing with many great conductors and soloists and musicians. I perform at Orchestra Hall, "The Max", which is the best hall in the USA. Come and see it and hear it so you believe me. So far I have played over 5,000 concerts during my career which isn't ending yet. I am part of a horn section in Detroit that plays unbelievably well. We are also friends beyond the stage.
Back at the start of my career I used to compete at the horn competitions. I was blessed to win at the Heldenleben International Horn Competition which later became the American Horn Competition. I took first in the valve horn in 1978 and hand horn in 1977. In 1983 I went to the Munich Competition and received a tie for third prize with Marie Neunecker. I got beat by Radovan Vlatkovich. Oh, well.
I have also been blessed to be part of a great church in Troy, MI. I also have the pleasure of being the husband to Wendy Wagner, an actor in this area. We have five wonderful children who continually rock our world (in a good way!)
I am currently the horn professor at Oakland University and I have held this same position at Wayne State University and as an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan over ten different years. I keep busy at the home with a slate of private students. All of this teaching lead me to the beginnings of cornopub to serve the needs of the horn player.
Performing great music has been the best career I could ever imagine. Though it is a great challenge and can try your patience and nerves, the work itself feeds the soul.
