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Just a warning...this is LONG!I started my musical journey in the fourth grade, when I decided to try playing an instrument - the saxophone. My music teacher at the time said most kids start on the clarinet first, but my dad had an old Conn alto that he played in school as a child. I thought the sax was way cooler than the clarinet, so my decision was final. My skill level was decent and I really enjoyed playing.
I played in the jazz band as well as in the swing choir (horn accompaniment) during my junior high school years. My coolest memory of that time period was playing the sax part in Sade's "Smooth Operator" with a keyboard player (Ed) and a vocalist (Jen). I was VERY popular for a couple days, then it was back to band geek! I never thought I could sing back then, and never tried it in front of anyone.
The music continued into high school. My parents bought me a really nice Yanigasawa Tenor that still sounds great today! I paired it up with a Berg Larsen hard rubber mouthpiece (size 105/2 for those of you "in the know"). I was in both the concert band and jazz band. One of my accolades was "Outstanding Jazz Soloist" during one of the jazz festivals. Again, I never thought much about the singing aspect.
Then came college. I joined the concert band at a local university, but soon had little or no time for it. I was also a member of Air Force ROTC, which consumed a great deal of time and effort. As a result, I quit the band altogether. I guess I took a break from the whole music scene.
After graduating, I was looking for my first engineering job. I began my search in the classified ads (yes I am old - we actually looked at a real newspaper for jobs!), starting in the first section: miscellaneous. I don't know why I started there, but I saw that someone was looking for vocalists to join a Top 40 style cover band. I auditioned, since I wasn't working anyway, and I made the cut! We played a few good gigs - the Fred Meyer Challenge Golf Tournament, some big holiday parties (i.e. - the Doilette & Touche accounting firm), and some fancy wedding receptions. However, we also played in many strange places as well: The Sheridan Federal Prison, many small taverns, and many Chinese restaurant lounges. Regardless, it was a fun experience that I don't regret. I met many talented musicians and vocalists along the way. But all good things come to an end - I grew tired of it and left the band.
Now, fast forward to 2003. I finally decided to participate in the Portland Trailblazer National Anthem auditions. It was a weekday evening, and I got there after work at around 7:00PM. I didn't audition until 10:00PM!!! I didn't make it that year. They had about 430 applicants, and I was one of the last at number 411 or so.
Then came the 2004-2005 season. I figured that you need to get to the auditions early, so I planned on doing just that. Since it was on a Saturday, I thought I could manage that. However, I had to watch my infant son for a couple hours more than expected, so I was about number 130. I didn't make that year, either. I also tried out for the "Gimme the Mike" competition on local TV channel 8, but got nowhere. Let's be honest - I may sing well, but I'm not cut out for TV.
Then came the 2005-2006 season. This time, NOTHING was stopping me from getting to the auditions early! I got there one hour prior to start time, and I was number 30 in line. I performed to the best of my ability and finally made it! While my game day performance was just O.K., it was still an amazing experience! (I didn't make the "Gimme the Mike" competition that year, either.)
Then came the 2006-2007 season. I got to auditions an hour early again, and was number 6 (I think) in line. I have already performed at two games this season! I may be done for the year as far as the NBA is concerned.
The 2007-2008 season is coming up, and I think I did O.K. during the auditions for the Blazers. We'll have to see in a couple of weeks!
Also, I have performed the National Anthem at some University of Portland college basketball and soccer games, some Portland Beavers minor-league baseball games, a Portland Timbers pro soccer game, and a Seattle Mariners game during the 2007 season! I'll probably try "Gimme the Mike" again this year, but I'm not holding my breath!
Make sure to check back to see when and where I'm singing if you like! Thanks for taking the time to look at my music page!