Xavier - Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute
Xavier's musical journey began in the 1970s in Dudley, NC, where he was diagnosed with asthma at an early age. Encouraged by his doctor to play an instrument to improve his lung capacity, Xavier was drawn to the saxophone after being inspired by bands like Earth, Wind & Fire and Kool & the Gang. This choice quickly evolved into a lifelong passion.
During his 8th-grade year, Xavier attended a music festival at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. There, he was placed in the high school group and offered a music scholarship, which he later accepted to pursue a degree in Instrumental Music Education with a minor in Jazz Studies. The campus and its saxophone instructor captured his heart, solidifying his path in music.
While attending university, Xavier worked at the same music festivals where he met Mark Kelly from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Inspired by their discussions, Xavier applied for and was accepted to pursue a master's degree in Music Theory at BGSU in 1991. During college breaks, he substitute taught in Toledo Public Schools (TPS), where he was eventually offered a full-time music teaching contract.
Over the years, Xavier has expanded his musical versatility to include playing in pit orchestras for musicals. As many musicals require proficiency in multiple woodwind instruments, he mastered the flute and clarinet alongside the saxophone. Over the past three decades, he has performed in over 80 musical sessions. Additionally, Xavier is a member of a local Jazz Big Band, performing at dances and concerts around town.
Xavier's story is one of overcoming challenges and embracing diverse musical opportunities, sharing his passion for music through both teaching and performing.
During his 8th-grade year, Xavier attended a music festival at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. There, he was placed in the high school group and offered a music scholarship, which he later accepted to pursue a degree in Instrumental Music Education with a minor in Jazz Studies. The campus and its saxophone instructor captured his heart, solidifying his path in music.
While attending university, Xavier worked at the same music festivals where he met Mark Kelly from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Inspired by their discussions, Xavier applied for and was accepted to pursue a master's degree in Music Theory at BGSU in 1991. During college breaks, he substitute taught in Toledo Public Schools (TPS), where he was eventually offered a full-time music teaching contract.
Over the years, Xavier has expanded his musical versatility to include playing in pit orchestras for musicals. As many musicals require proficiency in multiple woodwind instruments, he mastered the flute and clarinet alongside the saxophone. Over the past three decades, he has performed in over 80 musical sessions. Additionally, Xavier is a member of a local Jazz Big Band, performing at dances and concerts around town.
Xavier's story is one of overcoming challenges and embracing diverse musical opportunities, sharing his passion for music through both teaching and performing.
