Biography


Emily started her musical journey back in third grade, picking up the clarinet and diving into the world of music. As her love for music grew, she added the flute to her repertoire in fifth grade, setting the stage for a diverse and accomplished musical journey.

Her time at Grossmont High School was ever-evolving. It was here that Emily stumbled upon a deep-seated love for performing. She graced the stage for numerous gigs during those years—playing for weddings and various events solo and with chamber ensembles. That's when the seeds of a lifelong commitment to live performances were planted.

Percussion became the next big thing, courtesy of the excitement of the winter drumline. Post-high school, Emily continued music at Grossmont College. There, she joined the world of percussion within the concert band, finding a new love for this new side of making music.

Through community college, her primary teachers were Pat Pfiffner and Dr. N. Scott Robinson, who helped hone a rich and diverse skill set. While earning the principal chair position in the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra, her commitment to percussion excellence also landed her spots in high-level groups in DCI and WGI.

In 2017, Emily's marching percussion journey hit a high note with her first contract with Orange County Independent Open, earning 5th place in the national championships. The following year, she joined the world-class ensemble Vessel Percussion on marimba, making it to the semi-finals. Her marching career finished with her aging out with the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps on the xylophone.

Graduating with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in music from Grossmont College was an honor for Emily, showcasing her dedication and proficiency in the craft. Her pursuit of excellence then led her to San Diego State University (SDSU), where she received a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Performance with a minor in Religious Studies, studying closely with Greg Cohen.

During her time at SDSU, Emily had the thrill of performing for the opening of the UCSD Epstein Amphitheater, sharing the stage with the legendary percussionist Steve Schick—a moment that's etched in her musical journey.

Today, Emily is a member of the La Jolla Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale, as well as the San Diego City Ballet Orchestra. She maintains a private studio and works freelance gigs in her free time.

Resume

  • La Jolla Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale, La Jolla, CA - Percussionist 2022-present
    - I perform in each concert with the expectation of performing with the highest degree of musicianship.

    Poway Unified School District, San Diego, CA - Percussion Director December 2015-present
    - I work with several high and middle schools to develop concert percussion pedagogy and practice in the students.
    - At Del Norte High, I lead the marching percussion ensembles in both musical and visual approaches to the activity.
    - I successfully manage and communicate with a large team of staff members and band directors in order to rehearse and train effectively through a singular pedagogy.
    - I have taken the initiative to learn dance to fulfill the physical needs of choreographers in my ensembles.

    Self-Employed, San Diego, CA - Private Lesson Instructor July 2015-present
    - Teach one-on-one and small group lessons in music theory and percussion basics through advanced with students ranging in age from 5 to 80.
    - Schedule and maintain a lesson studio of up to 20 students weekly.

    Muskox LLC, Encinitas, CA - Partner March 2016-present
    - Manage operations for 3 product lines.
    - Develop and research new products for development and launch.
    - Update and maintain the business website.
    - Communicate with customers regarding orders, consultations, and sponsorship opportunities.

  • B.M. From SDSU in Performance with a minor in Religious Studies

    A.A. From Grossmont College in Music, Humanities, Religious Studies, and Exercise Science

    High School diploma from Grossmont High School

    I have received instructions from Pat Pfiffner (4 years), Dr. N. Scott Robinson (2 years), and Greg Cohen (2 years)

  • Grossmont Concert Band - 2015-2017

    Grossmont Symphony Orchestra - Principal Chair - 2017-2020

    Private Gigs - 2017-present

    San Diego City Ballet - 2019

    San Diego State Wind Symphony - 2022-present

    La Jolla Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale - 2022-present

    San Diego State Symphony Orchestra - 2023-present

  • DCI
    2018 - The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps : Front Ensemble

    WGI
    2018 - Vessel Percussion : Front Ensemble
    2017 - Orange County Independent Open : Front Ensemble

    • Percussion Mastery

    • Conducting

    • Audio Engineering

    • First Aid/CPR/Epipen Trained

    • Ballet

    • Contemporary Dance

  • Triton’s Rise- Debut of new music for the grand opening of the Epstein Family Amphitheater at UCSD with a handful of other musicians including Steve Schick.

    The Procrastinators -Produced and performed several marching and found percussion performances in venues ranging from county fairs across the United States to performances in the Omnia Nightclub.

  • Vic Firth
    Zildjian
    Mike Balter
    Pearl/Adams
    Remo