I was born and raised in Topeka Kansas. Started playing the clarinet at age 7, taking lessons from Dick Mason at Midwestern Music and continued them until age 18. I started playing professionally at 8 at Shakey's Pizza Parlor (for all the pizza I could eat at break) with my grandpa (Red), dad (Delbert), and brother (Del). We also played at Straw Hat pizza at several locations around town.

My dad started a family band (Del and the Downbeats) when I was in 7th grade and we played at The Moose Club, American Legions, VFW, Parents Without Partners meetings, wedding parties, and retirement communities throughout northeast Kansas and Missouri all while still playing in all school music activities (marching band, stageband, orchestra, choir, and music theory classes). I continued to play in our family band until age 28.

At 18 I joined the 35th Infantry Division Army National Guard Band. I served 6 years then received honorable discharge in 1986. While in the guard band I went to Virginia Beach where the Navy School of Music is located for a 3 week class, wow! Learned a lot. Since then I've played in some local bands and a lot of duo work with my dad almost every nursing home in 150 miles radius of Topeka, I do a lot home recording (pro audio 9).

I play a 1966 Buffett Evett Schaffer (master) model Tenor sax, I use a Berg Larson 110/2 metal mouthpiece, also play a 2003 Cannonball soprano straight sax with a slight curve at the bell. I love the way it plays with a Runyon mouthpiece.

I injured my back at my real job in 1998 (plumber 16 years) so I built my custom sax stand that holds my sax so I don't have to hold it. I enjoy playing very much it's my way to release and have lots of fun too! Hope to see you soon.

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