The concept albums produced by the British Invasion bands, such as The Beatles and The Who, influenced my themed approach to the compositions for The Bards of Balance. My vocals and acoustic guitar style were influenced by Dan Fogelberg and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Admittedly, Mr. Fogelberg chased me off his property once, but that was for something other than performing music.
I have played piano off and on for twelve years. My early influences included Billy Joel and Elton John. More recently, Coldplay and The Fray have catalyzed my creativity. Playing with The Bards of Balance provides a different musical experience for me and a springboard for my own music launch. Here's a secret for you, I’m the only balanced bard in the band.
I started percussion in fourth grade and have been finding new things to make noise with ever since. In fact, my band mates say I'm excellent at producing noise. I currently study composition at Ithaca College in New York. My major influences have musicians I have worked with, such as Paul Halley and Gordon Stout. My percussion studio also provides ample ideas and support.
I played alto saxophone for five years before switching to percussion a few years ago. My influences in style range from Chris Adler to Carter Beauford to Danny Carey. I'm the guy with sexy bass voice, but they won't let me sing that often because the rest of them are jealous.
I began studying music at an early age under the Suzuki method. While my primary focus and training have been in classical music, the opportunity to play with the Bards gives me a welcome change and expansion into the folk and rock genres, although it’s admittedly not my first such experience, having played electric violin with an art rock band in Chicago in the late ‘90s. It’s a pleasure to work with this group of talented and versatile musicians, even if I am just the token girl.