Conductor and Master Sculptor of Sound Through Time
My calling is to help artists connect with their communities through transcendent art, and to help communities grow in social cohesion, engagement, and resilience by engaging in art. As Artistic Director of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, I create programs that reflect our community and spark meaningful conversations, while leading with fearless artmaking that emboldens musicians to play without fear and audiences to listen with abandon.
Helping Artists and Communities Make Art Without Fear
Helping artists make art is what consumes most of my work. Artists can come from all walks of life - from full-time professionals to students - and I aim to help them all make the best art they can. Transcendent art is available to all artists, and it is my desire to help them get there through the alchemistic mix of personality, excellence, and stewardship of the artmaking process. Creating without fear leads to the highest level of art-making, and my vision and professional excellence can help them get there.
Where Audience and Orchestra Make Art Together
The wonder of live music comes from the spirit in the room – from the active transfer of art from participant to patron. For this to be most effective, the audience has to believe they are part of the art-making – and that responsibility lies squarely on my shoulders. During the performance, I am immersed in the act of creation, balancing the sounds coming out of the orchestra, the active expectations of the audience, and myself. I mold and shape the sound as it moves through time to create music and meaning. In the best performances, I become an invisible force – the only thing that is remembered is the impact of the music and the feeling of community created by the act of art.