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About Me

I am a music teacher at Olympian High School, and have been teaching in the district since 1988. I am now the band director and choir director at OHS, the Eagles!!! Things are going well, and I see improvement each week. For those of you who know my band reputations, we'll get there, but with time and training. Good kids, many of them remind me of the great kids I had at Chula Vista in the 1990s.
I am still active as a professional musician, playing piano and composing/arranging whenever it is needed. In addition, I belong to a professional caroling company which keeps me very busy each holiday season.
I am married to a wonderful person, and I have 2 lovely daughters that I am very proud of. My oldest daughter attends SDSU, and I'm proud to say is very talented in music and art. I enjoy spending time with her when she's not busy (which is rare in this time of her life). My youngest daughter sings in her middle school choir, is also very musical, and has recently been enjoying musical theatre. She loves to play games, both video and board.
If you are a former or current student of mine, I'd love to hear from you and see how your life is going. If you're a former or current colleague, tell me what you are up to. If you were a classmate of mine, then we're both middle aged :)
Have fun and enjoy those around you. You never know when they won't be around much anymore.Here's my pictures, including some of my colorguard.

My Blog

Job Update

Everybody must start a blog with "I haven't written anything in a while", so that's how I begin.   Marching season this year was a lot of fun.  The only regret is that our final parade, Esco...
Posted by on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:08:00 GMT

Breakin’ your duck

I knew that would get your attention.  In Scotland there is a saying for when you do your first performance.  It's called "Breaking your duck".  I can't tell you why, because I don't re...
Posted by on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:57:00 GMT

Mabrey-isms

This one time at band camp ... the flute players this year made a dictionary of my weird words and phrases.  Maybe some of you have additions for this list.   Beautifuller ... adj.  pre...
Posted by on Sat, 21 Jul 2007 21:15:00 GMT

New Top 16!

..>..> ..> Top 16! Family members, and my teaching buddies.  I have many family members, but not a lot that are on myspace.  I've added some teachers that I love working with.  ...
Posted by on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:42:00 GMT

My first big break

I haven't written a blog in a long time and thought I'd share some of the successes of year number one at Olympian High School.   First of all, I'm enjoying my first intersession break.  I t...
Posted by on Sun, 18 Mar 2007 13:23:00 GMT

Changes

Life is full of changes.  Some changes are necessary without our input.  Some changes we choose ourselves.  Change can make us think more, and in this case, rejuvenate a career; light a...
Posted by on Thu, 25 May 2006 20:15:00 GMT

Welcome Band Alumni

I just wanted to take an opportunity to thank all of my former students for sending me a quick note of hello.  The years I spent directing the band were special years, and the students who shared...
Posted by on Fri, 02 Dec 2005 22:00:00 GMT