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I got my start in stage lighting in 1999 when I was employed at the Fitton Art Center in Hamilton. I was one of the only people on staff brave enough to climb into the catwalks and adjust the lighting for different shows in the theater.
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I eventually was recruited as stage lighting operator for the Mad Anthony Theater Company out of the Fitton center. Through the Fitton center I worked on numerous productions with local talent in the Cincinnati area. One of my most memorable moments was working with the wonderful Rosemary Clooney when she did a show in Hamilton.
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Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up I had my parents listening to music from the 50s and 60s and my older siblings playing the music of the 70s to the 90s, so I pretty much enjoy it all. At a young age I wanted to be in the marching band, so I started playing drums in junior high school. I eventually made my way up to becoming a four-year member of the Hamilton High School Drum Line. Marching for the Big Blue was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
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After high school, I attended Miami University Hamilton, where I was heavily involved with the Miami Theater program and worked on several one-act productions. After leaving Miami, I got involved doing youth ministry and playing drums for the Park Ave. United Methodist Church praise band. Using music as a way to reach out to the younger generation I attended numerous rock concerts with the youth group. It was at these shows that I really got interested in doing lighting for bands.
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It was at this time that I got involved again with one of my early lighting jobs for a group called Music Café, which presents monthly shows at the Fitton Center. A few of the people from Music Café had asked my mother about me and whether I might be interested in helping with the lighting for their shows again. I agreed to help and they gave me full control of lighting for the Music Café shows.
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As a result of my work with Music Café, I made a lot of new friends and started connecting with local musicians. It was there I met my now good friend Lee Heftel. He was impressed with my lighting skills and after about six months of bugging me to come out and see this band he played in, I went out to see my first BlueStone Ivory show.
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After a New Years Eve audition, I was invited to become the youngest member of the BSI family. I am learning a lot from these guys about what it takes to be a popular band and put on a great show -- all skills I will need when I hopefully start rocking drums in my own band.
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But until then I will keep lighting up the stage for BSI.
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