I joined Local 802 to pursue more performance work in NYC. I’ve been working in New York and Philadelphia for about 10 years and am ready for some new opportunities and to expand my network. I’d like to be able to freelance full time with contemporary, theatre and orchestral groups while continuing to compose new music for percussion. I recently played a concert with the Glass Farm Ensemble at Symphony Space, where I gave the world premiere of two new works, one of which was my own composition for solo snare drum and coins called “Spare Change.” I donate 50 percent of all score sales to a soup kitchen in Camden, New Jersey, so it was a great opportunity to be able to spread the word about it while sharing my music. I earned an M.M. in percussion performance from Ithaca College, where I studied with Gordon Stout. After my time in Ithaca, I moved back to the Philadelphia area to begin teaching and performing. I actually got my first steady gig in NYC playing drumset and darbuka for a burlesque variety show in 2012 and since then have been pursuing freelance work as a percussionist and drummer across many different genres. I am currently doing work in the new music scene, as well as some orchestral and theatre work. I also present master classes on my own music at universities and high schools. Besides my work with the Glass Farm Ensemble, I play with the Patriot Brass, Capital Philharmonic and Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. I also teach privately.