DIRECTOR
Toby has cultivated an impressive vignette of musical experience from around the world. His professional initiation came with Army Music and his service opened opportunities over his 26 years that culminated in his attainment of the master musician certification. His geographical discography includes performances in more than a dozen countries some of which were China, South Korea, Panama, Germany, United Kingdom, France and Iraq. He personally organized tours to Poland and Ukraine while leading his New Orleans Jazz combo. He was also a part of the first United States Military Band to perform for the Queen’s Birthday Celebration on Horse Guards Parade in London. His military career culminated in his selection as the Senior Enlisted Advisor and First Sergeant for Army Entertainment that had a world-wide operational focus and a budget of over four million dollars.
His musical distinction has also been recognized by his experiences as guest clinician and conductor for university bands, military bands and public school music programs. Toby has been invited by numerous artists to perform on their recordings and has performed with several organizations debuting their compositions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and a Master’s in Education and has studied with Dr. Jeff Kirk in Belmont University in Nashville and Dr. Stephen Crawford at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas.
Toby has performed with world renowned operatic Baritone vocalist, Professor Seo Jeong Hak, Soprano Melissa Fontaine of the Atlanta Symphony, Jerry Junkin from the University of Texas and Dr. Graham Jones, the Senior Director of Music for the Queens house hold division bands. He has organized and led Jazz groups specializing in New Orleans style jazz, classical quartets, Salsa/Merengue bands and Concerts bands.
Toby’s love for music has led him to explore numerous facets of the art. His conducting philosophy centers around the idea that the band is comprised of people and therefore the main element in the music lies with the people who bring it to life. His assignment as Director of the County Line Community Band is an honor that he has accepted wholeheartedly and is excited to bring the band to new levels of excellence.
Toby is married to Michelle who plays Oboe in the band and they have one Daughter, Jocelyne, who is the joy of thier lives.