Artistic Statement 

Ever since my introduction to the bassoon at age 11, music has unlocked ways to connect to others and myself. I love the process of starting with the initial solitary preparation of a piece, to collaborative rehearsals, and finally ending with a performance for a live audience. The act of studying, preparing, and performing art music brings me closer to myself, my peers and the interrupted tradition of western classical music.

The unique way that classical music stimulates mind, body and soul is why I’ve devoted the last two decades of my life to the pursuit of musical mastery. I strive to understand the harmonic, historic and cultural contexts that a given piece presents so that I can interpret it in a way that satisfies the curiosity of myself and the listener. The bassoon is my vehicle to bring note groupings, expressive dynamics and theoretical structure off the page and into life. I perform chamber music in non-traditional venues like bars or tattoo parlors to reach new audiences, while also sitting in the orchestra in churches and concert halls.

I believe more people need to feel the creative satisfaction that comes from engaging with art music in a meaningful way. As a queer woman of color, I hope to perform in a way that both highlights and calls into question the traditions of this centuries old art form.  Being both a part of and a break in tradition is an inherent human experience. In a world filled with destruction, artistic creation is more important than ever.