Acknowledgements

It would be impossible to thank each and every person who has helped me in my musical journey, but darn it I’m gonna try.

To my parents, Chuck and Cari:

I have you two to thank more than anyone. Thank you for getting me to camps, lessons, performances, classes, gigs, and everything in-between. You dedicated your time, patience, and resources to making sure that I was getting all the opportunities that I could to become a better musician, and for that I will forever be grateful.

To my sisters, Jalen and Anna: Thank you for putting up with my incessant practice. For quite a few years the sounds coming out of my room were quite unbearable, and your patience with me is absolutely appreciated.

To my wonderful girlfriend, Elia: Thank you for being with me every step of the way. You have been my partner through thick and thin, and knowing that I can come to you with anything means the world. You are an incredible person and inspire everyone around you, thank you for everything.

To my fellow Tiger Band members, especially the Alto Saxes: Thank you for being the light of any day. I dedicated my entire being to Tiger Band, and it delivered to me tenfold. You all made life so much fun, and getting to explore the country with all of you playing music together was the highlight of my college career. I am so grateful for the joy and laughter we shared, and I hope that you all have enjoyed your time with me as I have with you.

To my band directors, Tim Hurlburt and Dr. Mark Spede: Thank you for your constant guidance and dedication to my growth as a person and musician. There were times when you both were there for me when no one else could be, and it has been an honor to play in each of your ensembles. I respect you tremendously and hope that I have been able to maintain the level of excellence and respect for the music that you both fight for so passionately.

To the wonderful faculty and staff of the Brooks Center: Thank you for the advice, the smiles in the hallway, the donuts, the grades (sometimes), the lessons, and all those little moments that make this such a special place. I made so many relationships in this building, and I am so grateful for each and every one of them.

To Bruce Caldwell, David Jones, Dr. Andrew Schoen, Dr. Neal Postma, Dell Knickerbocker, Dr. Matt Olson, and anyone else who has helped me get better at this strange instrument: Thank you for inspiring and nurturing me through my musical journey.

To Daniel Marsh: Thank you for being my first musical inspiration. Music programs across the country have been blessed with the passion you have shared with your students. Thank you for showing me what it means to be a great teacher, and how to share your love of music with others.

To my brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi: Every public performance I have ever had, there has been some assortment of you all to support me through it. Thank you for the days painting the field, sorting uniforms, performing in showcases, hanging out in the uniform room, and every small moment we shared as brothers in service and music.

To Mike Echols, Jacob Addison, KC Bell, Matt Dutton, Chandler Creswell, Mark Hendricks, Philip Rhodes, and all my friends on the Clemson University Athletic Grounds Crew: Thank you for the years of patience while I learned the ropes of working outside, and for the endless life lessons and wisdom I took in during my time with you. I know more about grass, landscaping and heavy machinery than I ever will need to know for my career, and I’m honored to have gotten to spend a bit of time with everyone on the crew.

To Eric Lapin: Thank you for being not only one my favorite teachers, but one of my best friends. When I needed guidance, you were there to get me through it. You inspire creativity and growth in your students, and everyone who has taken a class of yours has seen the passion you have for them. Thank you for being a friend in the building who I could come to with anything, and for making me a better musician and learner. You have a gift for education, and I’m honored that I got to witness it.

If I did not mention you, don’t think you didn’t make an impact on my life. You know who you are, and you know that I appreciate you.

Thanks to everyone for coming to my recital, and I hope that Clemson has been as great to you as it has to me. Go Tigers!