I joined Local 802 because I believe it is important to be an active member in my local music community. I learned the importance of unions from an early age. My father was a member of AFM Local 148-462 (Atlanta) and he was also the head of the players’ association of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. I came to New York almost four years ago to study double bass at Juilliard. I was actually admitted to both the jazz and classical programs, but decided to focus my attention on my classical studies, hoping to keep my jazz chops up on the side. My ultimate goal here in New York is to soak up as much knowledge as I can from the vast amount of amazing players in every different style of music, while trying to make a living at it, too!