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1. How did your musical career begin?
Very slowly and painfully. My first lesson was in February of 1956 where I learned to make a noise. My second lesson was in February of 1957 when I was taught the “C” scale. My third lesson was in June 1957 at a music camp where I was taught how to read music. My first instrument was Alto Horn that I played in the Salvation Army Band
2. Who are your primary musical influences?
Brass Band Composers from throughout the world have been my primary influence. People like Eric Ball and Ray Steadman-Allen from England; Eric Silferberg from Sweden; Jim Curnow, Stephen Bulla and William Himes from the United States; and Robert Redhead from Canada. These composers are very popular among Brass Band enthusiasts and are at the very cutting edge of their craft.
3. What do you like to listen to when you aren't composing?
I really like silence. If you checked out my radio stations in my car you would find them extremely eclectic. You would also find that I listen to several country stations and absolutely no talk shows. Even my CD collection is of a wide range of interest from Swing to String Quartets.
4. What are your hobbies outside of music?
Carpentry – Art (drawing as well as crafty things) – reading – cooking – fishing
5. What has been your greatest opportunity provided to you because of your musical talent?
“Singing a Song of His Own” a tribute to Jerry Garcia has given me several opportunities to talk to young people about the danger of drugs and alcohol. Such a talented musician to lose his life to drugs: the chance to explain to kids that the legacy that Garcia left was not music: The legacy he left was do drugs and you die young . The greatest musical moment of my career is the silence at the end of “Singing a Song of His Own”
6. What are your favorite movies or television shows?
I do not watch much TV maybe CSI once in a while. College football in November and December then Basketball during March.
7. You can have dinner with any four people, living or dead. Who would they be?
My wife – Jesus Christ – Dr. Robert Smith – Charles Schultz
8. What would you like your legacy as a composer to be?
I like to write “music that works”. Which is to say I want to write good music that is accessible to the average performer. I don't understand why composers write complicated music that rarely can be played and then only with great difficulty.
9. Who is your favorite historical figure?
William Booth
10. Describe yourself in four words.
Happy, joyous and free!
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