About

I'm a software engineer by day, musician most other times.

Music has been part of my life since childhood. I originally wanted to join the US Army music program, but due to physical defects in my eyesight, hearing and balance, I failed the physical examination. I choose software development for my career instead, but never stopped playing music. In retrospect, it turned out well. Computer work pays significantly more than military music would have, and this outcome kept me from getting shot at in America's "Endless and Forever Wars".

Instruments

Brass (Primary)

• Tuba — my main instruments (B-flat, E-flat and F); what I'm known for in the Tampa Bay music community
• Euphonium / Baritone horn
• Trombones - tenor and bass
• French horn - single and double
• Mellophone - four of them at last count (2 in F, 2 in B-flat)
• Trumpet / Cornet - several of each
• Flugelhorn - American piston & German rotary
• Bugle - Two-valve in G

Woodwinds

• Bassoon
• Clarinet

Strings & Other

• Guitar
• Bass guitar
• String / Double Bass (no bow)
• Ukulele
• Piano / Keys
• Hammered dulcimer — inherited from my late father, who built them and played them for mamy years. tuckasee.com.

Background

I grew up playing in school bands and kept going after school ended — community orchestras, brass quintets, dixieland bands, wind ensembles. The Tampa Bay area has a surprisingly vibrant community music scene, and I've been fortunate to find good groups to play with.

I read music fluently, transpose and transcribe with ease. I can also play by ear when needed. Classical, jazz, dixieland, marching, baroque, showtunes, musicals.