Performances

Concerts & Recitals

While pursuing by Music Education and Performance degrees, displaying my musicianship is a crucial part of my education. The completion of both degrees ensures that I can demonstrate a knowledge of literature in my performance area through written and aural communication, and that I can demonstrate a knowledge of different aspects of pedagogy in my teaching area.

Attatched are the videos to both my Junior Percussion Recital, showcasing thirty minutes of repertoire, and my Senior Percussion Recital, showcasing a full hour of repertoire. Each recital was a milestone throughout the completetion of my B.S.E and B.A. undergraduate degrees.

My performance of David Maslanka’s Symphony No. 4 marked a defining moment in my undergraduate career. As a seven-semester member of the Millersville University Wind Ensemble, this concert stood as my final appearance before beginning student teaching. Serving as first-chair percussion and performing the Percussion I part on xylophone, I had the opportunity to contribute to a work that holds a distinguished place in the wind repertoire.

Maslanka’s writing demands clarity, endurance, and a deep sense of ensemble awareness, and preparing this performance represented the culmination of my growth within the ensemble. This concert not only closed an important chapter of my musical development, but also reaffirmed the standards of musicianship and collaboration that have shaped my time at Millersville.

International Travel

Participating in the 8th “Melody of Yangtze River: World Famous Music Institution, Exchange Performance Season” in Wuhan, China was an unforgettable experience that expanded my perspective as a performer. Representing Millersville University’s Tell School of Music alongside talented faculty and fellow students, I had the opportunity to perform on an international stage, engaging with musicians from 26 top institutions across 10 countries.

This festival was more than just a performance—it was a chance to exchange ideas, learn from masterclasses, and experience a diverse range of musical traditions. Showcasing both classical and commercial music, our ensemble demonstrated the depth and versatility of Millersville’s music program. The experience reinforced my passion for cross-cultural collaboration in music and inspired me to continue growing as both a performer and an educator. One of my performances on stage can be found at @jm.zirpercussion.

Local Performances

Performing and teaching in Lancaster has given me incredible opportunities to grow as both a musician and an educator. As a hired timpanist for the NextGen Youth Orchestra, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented young musicians in high-level performances. Additionally, receiving the Figurelle Memorial Percussion Scholarship through Music for Everyone twice has allowed me to give back to the community by helping teach percussion in elementary schools and supporting after-school music programs.

Beyond education, I’ve also had the honor of performing as a hired percussionist for the Easter Eve Orchestra, where I played Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 at the First United Methodist Church. These experiences have deepened my connection to the Lancaster music scene, reinforcing my passion for both performing and fostering the next generation of musicians.

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