I play percussion, piano, and synthetic/electronic instruments, for classes at the Duke University Dance Program (Andrea E Woods Valdés, Director), and also serve as supervisor of musicians. I have been a musician at ADF in Durham for what feels like an eon (1980, 1985-present), and also traveled with them to festivals in Seoul, Korea, and Henan, China several times. I started playing for dance in 1979 with the North Carolina-based Frank Holder Dance Company, touring for two seasons of concerts and school residencies throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Moving briefly to NYC in 1982, I was a musician at the 92nd St Y Dance Center (1982-83), a lifeguard at the University Club, and an itinerant East Village musician. After returning to North Carolina, I was the percussion instructor for the Duke University Music Department for 20+ years beginning in 1987. In the 1990’s I was the drummer for the Jazz Dance World Congress, playing for director Gus Giordano, Matt Maddox, Frank Hatchett, and many others. I am immensely grateful for the inspiration and support from the many dancers, instructors, and musicians I have crossed paths with over the years! Some of the most influential to my growth as a “musician for dance” were José Meier, Khalid Saleem, Betty Jones, Clay Taliaferro, Brenda Daniels, Ken Wilemon, Michael Wall, and Gerri Houlihan.
