Meet the Artist

What inspired you to join iBuildBridges?

I was inspired to join by the opportunity to make meaningful connections with other musicians. I feel passionate about spreading music as an art form and improving accessibility to music resources.

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What’s something unique you contribute to the group?

I’m pretty far removed from my cultural heritage because I disagree with a lot of ideals held by my country's government, but I bring a unique expression of my personal self by being gender non-conforming. In other words, the presentation of my gender does not follow traditional expectations of the way men look.

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What are your musical influences?

I am influenced most by stride and ragtime pianists like Emmet Cohen, Tom Brier, and Art Tatum.

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What’s your favorite iBuildBridges ensemble piece to perform, and why?

Tira Nota e Bota Nota, because the piece requires coordination, which makes me feel connected to my bandmates.

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What has being part of iBuildBridges meant to you?

Being part of iBuildBridges has meant meeting new people and opportunities for growth as a musician. Through iBuildBridges, I hosted my own jazz jam session and performed with another fantastic group, Show Brazil. iBuildBridges is more than a band to me; it’s a network and a community that supports each other.

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Why is music important to you?

Music brings people together. People from all walks of life enjoy good music all around the world, and it can unite people across cultural, political, and social divides in a way that few things can.

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How do you spend your time outside of iBuildBridges?

I study music education at the University of Washington and work in their dining halls. I play jazz music on my own and I dance, roller skate, draw, birdwatch, and sew. I am always up to something.

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Are you involved with any other music-related organizations?

At the moment, I am coordinating a weekly jazz jam session every Tuesday at The Roadhouse. I have also done several shows with Show Brazil.

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