Music & Low Brass Performance

Music started early with piano at age five, providing a strong foundational theory background that allowed me to pick up clarinet, trombone, and tuba in quick succession during middle and high school. As a student, I performed extensively in jazz bands, wind ensembles, musical pit orchestras, percussion ensembles, and auditioned regional groups including the Jordan Symphony Orchestra, the Mormon Youth Symphony under Bob Bowden, and the Utah Youth Symphony under Barbara Scowcroft.

Midway through my junior year of high school, I auditioned for music scholarships at the University of Utah and was offered a full-tuition scholarship on clarinet. Graduating high school early, I began my college coursework in July 1997 at age 16, performing on bass clarinet in the University Wind Symphony under Dr. Barry Kopetz and in the marching and symphonic bands under Scott Hagen. In January 1998, I had the privilege of playing the featured solo bass clarinet part in the Utah premiere of Frank Ticheli’s Blue Shades at the intercollegiate honor band. In my second year at the U, I transitioned to tuba as my primary instrument and sousaphone in the marching band—performing with the pep band during the Runnin' Utes' memorable NCAA Final Four championship run.

Following my mission, I shifted my musical focus toward choral music, directing a stake choir of 80+ voices performing full Tabernacle Choir arrangements and singing in special dedicatory services. Since 2002, I have regularly attended concerts with the Salt Lake Symphony in support of my wife's performance career, while also supporting her private home music studio, Julie Embley Piano & Violin. Inspired by that rich musical environment, I bought a tuba in 2018 to return to active instrumental performance, playing with the Murray Concert Band before becoming an inaugural member of the Tooele Valley Wind Ensemble in 2021. Most recently, I joined the Tooele County Symphony Orchestra as a tubist in July 2025. In addition to low brass performance, I have also served as a guest conductor in both rehearsals and performances for the Murray Concert Band and the Tooele Valley Wind Ensemble.