I started playing the clarinet in middle school concert band and began taking private lessons halfway through 8th grade. Knowing that I was starting later than most, I always put in extra effort to improve my fundamentals and learn new rep.

During high school, I was a three-time Florida All-State 1st clarinetist (Symphonic Orchestra Principal, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band). I played in my school’s marching band, concert band, and orchestra, as well as the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, Pinellas Youth Symphony, and Bay Winds. I continued learning over the summer at music programs like Interlochen and Tanglewood. I also performed what are to this day some of my favorite solo clarinet pieces, such as Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsodie and Stravinsky’s 3 Pieces for Solo Clarinet.

I’ve continued to play while at Yale as Principal Clarinet in the Yale Concert Band and in a variety of other ensembles and pits, ranging from musical theater to opera to chamber. I currently take lessons through the Yale School of Music.

To get even more opportunities to play, I started saxophone while in high school and flute in early 2022. I’ve gotten to play flute and sax in several shows (along with clarinet, of course) here at Yale!