About Me

I was born on October 18, 1974, in Purcell, Oklahoma. I currently reside in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and enjoy spending time with my wife, Jayme and our daughter Annilyn, who was born March 24, 2011. I also enjoy Amateur Radio, computers, webdesign, playing guitar and singing. I am a 39 year-old elementary music teacher. I also attend WWE events when possible.

Web Design

Webdesign has been a hobby of mine since 1996. Here are some examples of my work. I have experience using HTML, PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, Flash, XML, PayPal integration and many other website functionality tools.

If you need a website designed/redesigned, email me.

Education

I graduated from high school in 1993 in Blanchard, Oklahoma. I attended college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, from 1993-1999 and received my Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental/General) degree. My principal instrument is the bass trombone. I studied trombone under Dr. Robert Chambers, composition under Dr. Scott Robbins and voice under Mr. Skip Klingman. I also completed Orff Level One certification in 1995 under Dr. Alan L. Spurgeon and Mrs. Marti Bessinger.

While a student at SWOSU, I performed in various ensembles under Dr. Robert Belser, Mr. Jimmy Leach, Dr. Terry Segress, Dr. Robert Chambers, Mr. Jay Schale, Dr. David Bessinger and Dr. James South. I performed with Clark Terry and Byron Stripling while a member of Jazz Ensemble "A" at SWOSU.

Teaching Experience

I taught one semester of K-12 Music/Band in Booker, Texas; one year of Pre-K through 12 General Music in Preston, Oklahoma; and am am in my 12 year teaching PK-5 Elementary Music at Greenvale Elementary (2001-Present) in the Western Heights Public Schools. This has been the most rewarding position and I enjoy working there with that age group of children.

Professional Affiliations

My home Chapter is the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, where I became an active member on November 16, 1994. As an active member, I served my Chapter as Member-at-Large, Alumni/Corresponding Secretary and Webmaster. I attended several Southwest District Conventions (1995, 1996, 1998, 1999), Area Workshops (1997, 1998, 1999) and functions while a student at SWOSU.

I am a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi. I served the (now defunct) Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma Southwest District Alumni Association (SWDAA) as Vice-President (2001-2002), President (2002-2003) and Webmaster (2001-2005). I also served as Southwest District Webmaster from 2001-2005. SWDAA folded soon after.

I was a member of CMENC while in college and served as SWOSU Chapter President from 1998-1999. I am a current member of the National Educators Association, Oklahoma Educators Association and Western Heights Educational Association.

I am an Amateur Extra Class Amateur Radio operator. I passed my Tech exam on May 6, 2010, General exam on August 9, 2010, and Amateur Extra exam on December 7, 2011. I am a member of ARRL, Aeronautical Center Amateur Radio Club (AC ARC) and Ham Association of OKC (HAOKC). Area net, hamfests and station information are available on my Amateur Radio page. My call sign is KF5GTX.

I am a Perpetual Member and Past Master of Uriah Lodge #227 in Wheatland, Oklahoma. I received my 32nd Degree in Masonry at the Guthrie Scottish Rite in April 2009 and was elected Class President. I am a member of Harmony Chapter #371, Order of the Eastern Star as well.

Tech Stuff and Musical Instruments >