Biography
Early Years in Amarillo, Texas: 1997-2015
Born in Amarillo, TExas
Dan grew up in a musical family; his mother, Becky, teaches elementary music and plays horn in the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra. His father, Carlos, owns Audio Refinery Recording Studio and plays jazz saxophone. His sister, Michelle, plays horn and teaches middle school band in Irving, Texas.
Dan graduated from Amarillo High School achieving the following:
2015 West Texas A&M University Band Camp Concerto Competition Winner- Dr. Gary Garner, conductor
2015 Amarillo High School John Philip Sousa Award
2015 6A Texas All-State Symphonic Band- Steven Davis, clinician
2014 5A Texas All-State Symphonic Band- Frank Ticheli, clinician
2014 Texas Tech University Caprock Trumpet Conference High School Invitee- Philip Smith, clinician
Stephen F. Austin State University: 2015-2019
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SFASU Ensembles
Enjoying a wealth of performing opportunities, Dan served as principal of the SFASU Wind Ensemble, Orchestra of the Pines, and Solo Chair for the Swingin’ Axes Jazz Band. Highlights from his time in SFA’s ensembles include performing at the 2018 TMEA Convention, playing antiphonal brass with the Dallas Winds, and having his father, Carlos, join the Swingin’ Axes as a guest artist.
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Lumberjack marching band
Alongside performing, Dan cherishes leadership and education. He served as the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the Lumberjack Marching Band in 2018. His experiences include conducting the LMB at the Texas UIL State Marching Contest, serving as the stadium announcer for the National Association of Military Marching Bands, and performing at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.
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Empyrean Trumpet Ensemble
Dan co-founded the Empyrean Trumpet Ensemble in 2015. The group gave a featured performance at the TMEA Convention, including Dan’s arrangement of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.” Empyrean also competed at the National Trumpet Competition, finishing as semifinalists in 2016 and quarterfinalists in 2017. The ensemble was invited to perform at the 2018 International Trumpet Guild Conference to open for Philip Smith’s orchestral excerpts masterclass.
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Introduction to Cincinnati
Dan’s first performance in Cincinnati, Ohio was in December 2016. He has since been asked to perform with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra May Festival Fanfare Trumpet Ensemble, Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas, and the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.
Dan earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education from SFASU in 2019, graduating Summa Cum Laude
Dan’s academic achievements from SFA include:
Texas Education Agency E-12 Teaching Certification
2018 Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honors Society Induction, Delta Iota Chapter
2018 SFASU Dean’s Circle Dr. Robert Sidnell Memorial Award
2017 Zach Brittain Jazz Excellence Award
2016-2017 Hubert “Butch” Almany Award
2015 Young Artist Music Scholarship
Miami University: 2019-2021
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Cincinnati Pedigree
Following his undergraduate studies, Dan pursued his Master’s of Trumpet Performance at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He studied primarily with Doug Lindsay, Associate Principal of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (pictured above). Dan also received supplemental instruction from Steve Pride (Second Trumpet, CSO) and Matthew Anklan.
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Performing in the Pandemic
The Covid-19 Outbreak affected everyone since February 2020. Following a semester of online classes and lessons, Dan was able to resume ensembles and private lessons in person for his entire second year of graduate school. Knowing other students who were not as fortunate, Dan is thankful for the opportunity to maximize his experience at Miami amid challenging circumstances.
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College Teaching Experience
In his last semester at Miami, Dan was the official teacher of record for the Miami University Trumpet Ensemble. Dan served as the conductor of the group and conducted their performances at the Trumpet Ensemble Recital, a Miami University Wind Ensemble Concert, and a featured performance at the 7th Annual William Adam Trumpet Festival.
Boston University: 2021-Present
