01/28/2025
Its 2025?!
This year was wild, in a word. Since I posted last, so many things have changed! In June, I left childcare after having some health issues that I couldn’t ignore anymore. I’m doing okay! (COUGH advocate for yourselves COUGH) I started looking for a different job and I am now working as a DJ for Complete Weddings + Events! Being able to be such a big part of someone’s celebration is the pinnacle of service to me and brings me an unfathomable amount of joy! I’ve gotten to meet some of the coolest, most talented people and learn so many new skills. I am saving for my own equipment so I can grow my skills and learn new styles/techniques. If anyone is in need of a DJ for an event… Book with me! I love what I do and really put my all into every event I work. I’m very grateful for the couples and individuals I worked with this year! Everyone was so kind and really made my first season as a wedding DJ great.
This year has also been full of performing; The Jefferson College Jazz Band was invited to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Annual Conference and THAT was incredible. I’ll never forget how fun it was to play that set and feel the energy of the room! I had the pleasure of acting in “A Case of Libel” by Henry Denker, where I played a lawyer who had been previously investigated by Congress for fear of being a Communist and/or “homosexual.” (Only in quotes because this play was set in the 1940s… Just say gay!) We were visited by a critic from New York, Peter Filichia, who loved our performance and gave us really genuine praise and advice for the future. Then came “The Musical of Musicals: The Musical!” This was a fun one! Anytime I can play my saxophone AND act is a great time. In the fall, I performed in “Medea” translated by Ben Power as King Aegeus and Chorus. This was an incredibly special experience as creating such a morbid story is very difficult. I’m thankful for the people I work with for their kind spirits and dedication to their art! Aaaaand finally, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” Talk about healing my inner child! Painting my friend Roy as the Grinch for 2 straight weeks so he could go off and scare children brought me immense joy. I joke! I loved bringing Christmas to these kids. Even the teachers loved it, which was great. Running around, singing Christmas carols in your pajamas, and pretending to be 2 years old is something every one should do at least once.
Considering the year to come… I have a LOT of things to look forward to. I am performing in and designing “The Video Game A Palooza” in the last weekend on February. The JeffCo Jazz Band is going to New Orleans in three weeks, then performing at Jazz St. Louis with Erena Terakubo on March 4th! If you’d like to purchase tickets- let me know! I am graduating Jefferson College and transferring in the fall. I have a few offers to consider that are very exciting. I have also applied for a very cool summer trip opportunity so I have all of my fingers and toes crossed! It will be a year of my favorite things: learning, working, and creating art!
I hate saying this- but I am not quite sure what is in store for this page at the moment. I will be sharing what is going on with me professionally and artistically, and of course, if my schedule allows with school, work, and my artistic endeavors, I would be happy to see if I could work a few parties this year! Thanks everyone for your support as always 💜 Stay safe and aware this new year!
