MEET THE BAND

1st Alto Saxophone - Hear my solo - I began playing alto sax at age 10 after seeing a live band with a horn section and being drawn to the saxophonist's performance. My first jazz album was Take Five, featuring Paul Desmond on alto sax, which had a lasting influence on my musical journey. I've been playing ever since, and jazz has been a constant source of inspiration and joy throughout my life. There's something deeply expressive and freeing about the genre, and I love how it allows for endless creativity and connection with other musicians.

 1st Tenor Saxophone - Hear my solo - I have had the privilege of being a music teacher and instructor in the Bay Area since 2000, sharing my passion for music with students of all ages. In addition to playing multiple instruments, I work as a woodwind technician, repairing and maintaining instruments to ensure they sound their best.

I am proud to serve as the saxophone section leader for the CoolTones Big Band and the musical director for the Oasis Big Band. Being part of the Overboard Big Band is a true joy—it's an amazing group of talented people, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to talk, play, and create music with them.

2nd Tenor Saxophone - I learned to love playing music when I picked up the clarinet at age 10, and my passion for jazz ignited when I started playing baritone sax in my high school jazz band. In college, I played clarinet and tenor sax with the Stanford Jazz Band, concert band, and orchestra. During that time, I had the privilege of studying with incredible musicians like Hal Stein, Wayne Wallace, Bill Bell, and Jose Bowen and some jazz legends who were guest artists. I’ve played flute, clarinet, alto sax, and tenor sax in various Bay Area big band ensembles, including College of San Mateo, Skyline College, SF City College, and the Chops Big Band. It was through these groups that I met many of the outstanding musicians who now make up the Overboard Big Band. Their passion is contagious!

Baritone Saxophone  - My love for music began very early, sitting at my mom‘s feet with my back against the soundboard of her upright piano, FEELING the music. Starting piano at age 8, alto saxophone soon followed and my journey began. I learned to double on flute in high school and played symphonic music at UCLA. After gigging in the LA clubs for five years, I moved to the Bay Area, landing in the Foothill Jazz Band, the Ohlone Big Band,  as well as with a rock band playing the Bay Area scene. In addition to the Overboard Big Band, I play tenor saxophone with the Oasis Big Band and Ohlone Wind Orchestra. The privilege of playing with Overboard reunites me with many talented friends for which I have shared well over two decades of collaboration, inspiration, and connection. 

Vocals - Hear me sing - I began singing at just 9 years old with my dad's 18-piece big band in Sacramento, sparking my lifelong love for music. With over 20 years of experience as a singer and dancer in musical theater, I've honed my craft and passion for performance. Currently, I perform with a jazz combo, a Glenn Miller Tribute Big Band, a French Jazz quartet and various other groups in Sacramento and Vacaville. I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Overboard Big Band and be part of this incredible ensemble!

Piano & Music Director - Hear my solo - I started piano lessons at age 4, studying classical music through high school, and playing big band jazz starting in 7th grade. In high school in Denver, I played big band and also did some conducting. At Princeton, I served as pianist and director of their dance big band, adding to my joy in leading ensembles. From the 4th grade I also played French Horn in concert and marching bands, orchestras, and even jazz band in college. Since 1980, I’ve played piano with several Bay Area big bands and currently serve as the pianist and Music Director of the Overboard Big Band. For over 20 years, I’ve also directed, composed and arranged charts, and played piano in the West Shore Jazz Quintet.  I feel so fortunate for the joy of making music with so many talented musicians!

Bass - With over 30 years of experience playing bass in big band jazz groups and combos across the Bay Area, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my passion for jazz with countless audiences and privileged to have played with musicians like Bobby Shew, Greg Abate, and Ledisi. Currently, I perform with the Overboard Big Band, 3 O’Clock Jump Band, and the Westshore Jazz Quintet. Playing bass is my true love, and I’m thrilled to bring this incredible music to life for our listeners!

Drums -  I fell in love with music as a kid, inspired by watching the drummer at church. That passion stuck with me for the next 45 years, leading me to play in marching bands, jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras, and musical theater pits all the way through college.

These days, I stay busy playing in a country band, a swing dance band, a jazz combo, and, of course, the Overboard Big Band. For me, music is more than just playing—it’s about the friendships and connections that come from making music together.

Guitar - I was 10 years old when The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show and that sealed the deal for me with regard to music of all types. I started playing guitar when I was 13 years old. I've lived in the Bay Area all my life and have played with numerous groups throughout the years, and in many styles: rock, blues, jazz, funk, country, top-40, and even a new wave band in the 80s.

I was first influenced by all the 60s rock and blues bands and, living in the Bay Area, I saw all of the bands that played at the Fillmore and Winterland and other Bay Area venues during that time. I gravitated to all of the jam bands of the 60s and that lead me to jazz in my early 20s. I've been playing jazz ever since.

I currently network with a number of groups, mostly jazz-oriented, but some rock and blues bands as well. I've always loved playing in ensembles and  I especially love the improvisational aspect of jazz.