I identify myself as American, African-American, Black;

a musician, minister, singer, conductor, composer, teacher, coach;

a wife, mother, sister, auntie, cousin, friend, colleague;

a choir nerd, a Gemini, social activist, feminist, liberal who loves tradition.

I am both vulnerable and strong.

I’m a woman, human, heterosexual with many well-beloved homosexual friends and colleagues;

an Episcopalian, Unitarian, Baptist. I identify myself as a Christian.

I am a resonant witness to the healing, unifying power of music.

I am a high-energy instructor with a methodical approach to music teaching that incorporates improvisation and critical thinking.

I am a professional – both leader and servant.

I have become what I have wanted to be since I was seven years old: a Doctor of Musical Arts.

I am courageous.

But in saying I am courageous, I am admitting I am also fearful. I am OK with that because my courage keeps me from being hateful, sarcastic, and
apathetic.