I started learning the cornet when I was six years old. I never missed a day of practice, inspired by my dad and older brothers. I could reach a super G early on, and my family was really encouraging—they said I had the high chops.
Music has been a huge part of our family. My father is a professional trumpet player, and my mother is a freelance pianist and organist. I have five brothers and sisters. Growing up, we would all sing together, and as we progressed as brass players, we transitioned into ensemble performances.
Some of my first memories are of being at our corps, North York Temple in Toronto. The Salvation Army was the life that was put in front of me, and I really didn't know anything else. But as I grew older, I realized I needed to have my own relationship with Christ.
At an Army music camp where my parents were guests, a devotional stuck with me—how our lives should honour God and be a shining example for others—and I made a commitment to seek God's guidance at every step.
I was always interested in writing as well as playing music. I admired so many pieces and composers that I wanted to be just like them. The first piece I considered my favourite was Glorifico Aeternum by Dean Jones. Then I discovered Kenneth Downie's music, especially Rejoice the Lord is King.
When I was 13, I started writing pieces for brass band. I spent hours every day composing. When I was 16, the Hannaford Street Silver Band performed Motondo. It was the first time one of my pieces was performed in concert.
As I started to improve as a composer, I sometimes got discouraged by the lack of exposure my work was receiving. But in 2010, during senior music camp at Jackson's Point Camp, I met Captain Martin Cordner, who was the guest for the week. Cordner is one of the top Salvation Army composers of our time, and one of my greatest role models. He reminded me of the importance of ministering through the music that we write—that every piece is an opportunity to preach to the player and the listener.
From that moment on, my primary goal as a writer wasn't to get published and recorded, it was to infuse a message within a piece that can change someone's life. There was a shift in the music I wrote, and I started to notice that the Lord was indeed blessing people through my music.
In 2013, I travelled to the United Kingdom on tour with the North York Temple Band. Our theme was “God's love is everywhere,” based on a piece I wrote. The message is that the walk of faith can be filled with difficult situations, but just when we think we are alone, God will send someone to remind us of his love. After almost every concert, people came up to me in tears to say how much the music had spoken to them. This was another moment when I recommitted my life to the Lord, knowing that he could use me to share his love.
This is also why I enjoy teaching music, because it gives me an opportunity to explain why we play and sing music. We can reach people through a grand concert or by playing a simple carol on a street corner. God is at the centre of all music making.
I am currently studying trumpet performance at the University of Toronto. My dream is to continue teaching, writing and performing music for the purpose of growing the kingdom. I hope my music will inspire, encourage or even change someone.
You can watch Everywhere, performed at the Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, Wales, during the North York Temple Band's 2013 tour of the United Kingdom, here.
Music has been a huge part of our family. My father is a professional trumpet player, and my mother is a freelance pianist and organist. I have five brothers and sisters. Growing up, we would all sing together, and as we progressed as brass players, we transitioned into ensemble performances.
Some of my first memories are of being at our corps, North York Temple in Toronto. The Salvation Army was the life that was put in front of me, and I really didn't know anything else. But as I grew older, I realized I needed to have my own relationship with Christ.
At an Army music camp where my parents were guests, a devotional stuck with me—how our lives should honour God and be a shining example for others—and I made a commitment to seek God's guidance at every step.
I was always interested in writing as well as playing music. I admired so many pieces and composers that I wanted to be just like them. The first piece I considered my favourite was Glorifico Aeternum by Dean Jones. Then I discovered Kenneth Downie's music, especially Rejoice the Lord is King.
God is at the centre of all music making
When I was 13, I started writing pieces for brass band. I spent hours every day composing. When I was 16, the Hannaford Street Silver Band performed Motondo. It was the first time one of my pieces was performed in concert.
As I started to improve as a composer, I sometimes got discouraged by the lack of exposure my work was receiving. But in 2010, during senior music camp at Jackson's Point Camp, I met Captain Martin Cordner, who was the guest for the week. Cordner is one of the top Salvation Army composers of our time, and one of my greatest role models. He reminded me of the importance of ministering through the music that we write—that every piece is an opportunity to preach to the player and the listener.
From that moment on, my primary goal as a writer wasn't to get published and recorded, it was to infuse a message within a piece that can change someone's life. There was a shift in the music I wrote, and I started to notice that the Lord was indeed blessing people through my music.
In 2013, I travelled to the United Kingdom on tour with the North York Temple Band. Our theme was “God's love is everywhere,” based on a piece I wrote. The message is that the walk of faith can be filled with difficult situations, but just when we think we are alone, God will send someone to remind us of his love. After almost every concert, people came up to me in tears to say how much the music had spoken to them. This was another moment when I recommitted my life to the Lord, knowing that he could use me to share his love.
This is also why I enjoy teaching music, because it gives me an opportunity to explain why we play and sing music. We can reach people through a grand concert or by playing a simple carol on a street corner. God is at the centre of all music making.
I am currently studying trumpet performance at the University of Toronto. My dream is to continue teaching, writing and performing music for the purpose of growing the kingdom. I hope my music will inspire, encourage or even change someone.
You can watch Everywhere, performed at the Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, Wales, during the North York Temple Band's 2013 tour of the United Kingdom, here.
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