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John grew up in Del City, Oklahoma where he studied privately
in junior high school with jazz trombonist and educator, Paul Brewer. Paul and the professional musicians that
surrounded him exposed John to jazz at a very early point in his development. Soon John began experiencing success as
a trombonist and as a jazz improvisor. His success continued as a member of the award winning Del City High School Jazz
Band. During summers, while in high school, John studied trombone with Dr. Kent Kidwell. After high school John began
doing jingle and album work in local studios and playing jazz regularly with local big bands and combos. He graduated
from Central State University in 1987 with a B.S in Physics. After college John moved to Jacksonville, Florida to play and
teach at the University of North Florida alongside Rich Matteson, Jack Petersen and Bill Prince. For several years, John played
principle trombone in the St. John's River City Band, a professional British style brass band that converted to a big band
for jazz events. In 1994 John and his wife Sharon moved to Oklahoma City, where he taught trombone, improvisation, and conducted
jazz bands at the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian University. During John's professional music
career, he also has a successful career as a telecommunications network engineer. 2003-2006 found John playing jazz
and shows in Southwest Florida. Since 2007 John has made Portland, OR his home and is an integral part of Portland's thriving
Jazz scene.
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