I would like to think that there are many facets that make up the person I am today.   I grew up in Naperville, Illinois in a family of five, one brother and one sister.  Naperville tended to be a conservative farm-like town that blossomed into a unique municipality in the Chicago area.  I guess you can kind of relate this metamorphosis to my life.

Music, sports, and family sum up a lot of what makes me tick.  I’ve been a professional euphonium player for the last 14 years.  The euphonium holds a special place in my heart because it has served as the vehicle for most of my music making and passion.   I’ll never forget the day when I decided to play the euphonium for a living.  My middle school band director, Nancy Pantinga, leaned over to me during a class and said, “You know Joe, if you actually practiced you could be quite the euphoniumist.”  Wow, now there’s a novel idea - practicing!  She continues to be one of my great inspirations.

In my spare time I enjoy training for triathlons.  Last year, I completed my first Ironman.  Triathlon training provides me with the same kind of discipline that music requires hence my love for the sport.

Please feel free to peruse the site and get to know me a little better.  On the site you will find out about upcoming conducting performances and a few recordings here and there.  Enjoy!