What inspired you to join the band and how did it shape your life?
I first heard a marching band in a parade as a young child, and I was completely mesmerized by the sound, the uniforms, and the precision. Growing up in a small town in Ohio, the high school band was something everyone looked up to — it was aspirational, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
My father had a cornet he played as a kid, and I was fascinated by it. I started piano lessons when I was about five years old, and by the time I was ten, I joined the elementary school band playing the trumpet. Everyone wants to find their “thing” — something they’re good at and passionate about — and for me, that was music.
By the time I reached high school, I was performing extensively outside of the school program, playing in two youth orchestras, a jazz workshop, and participating in everything from all-city to state honor bands. When it came time to choose a college, there was never a question: I knew I wanted to study music.
What was your most memorable experience performing with your high school band?
I grew up in Wadsworth, Ohio, where we were lucky to have an incredible instrumental music program. Band was more than an activity — it was a way of life. When school let out, we had just a week off before indoor rehearsals started right after Memorial Day, three days a week at first, then five, and eventually two-a-day practices. In the evenings, when it cooled off a bit, we’d march outside.
By the time school started in the fall, we were ready. We had our parade formation, three football half-time shows and a competitive set all memorized. Every weekend from September through October, we traveled across the state to competitions, usually coming home with grand champion trophies. It was a tight, disciplined team where everyone relied on each other.
The experience that stands out most vividly was in 1978, when we traveled to Fort Myers, Florida for the Edison Pageant of Light Festival, a national competition with bands from all over the country. When they announced us as grand champion of the event, it felt surreal. We knew the hours, sweat, and sacrifices had paid off. Looking back, that moment taught me the power of hard work, teamwork, and believing in something bigger than yourself — lessons that have stayed with me my entire life.
What do you prioritize when developing instruments at Blessing for young band musicians?
Learning a musical instrument and making music with others is an amazing experience. To support that, the overall design of our instruments must allow beginners to produce a quality sound easily. Early success is key to keeping young students engaged, as it can be challenging to hold their interest if they struggle too much at the start.
While every instrument has a learning curve — and some are naturally easier to start on than others — advancement only comes through dedicated practice. It’s important that young musicians feel connected to their instrument and excited about playing it.
When I joined Blessing, I focused on improving mouthpiece engagement to ensure our instruments respond easily for beginners. We also reviewed materials and refined our manufacturing processes to enhance fit and finish. Bringing all these elements together helps us deliver quality instruments that are accessible and enjoyable for any child interested in music. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy on a young player’s face when everything clicks and they’re able to control their sound.
