Wes holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Bowling Green State University where he was a student of Dr. John Sampen. While at BGSU, he performed in master classes for Don Sinta (University of Michigan), Fred Hemke (Northwestern University), and Claude Delangle (Paris Conservatory). As Lead Alto Saxophone in the University of Kentucky Jazz Lab Band I, Wes studied under virtuoso trumpeter, Vincent DiMartino. He iss a member of the Black Swamp Saxophone Quartet (BSSQ) and first prize winner in the 1991 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. The BSSQ was the first saxophone quartet to perform in the history of the prestigious Philip's Gallery in Washington D.C. The quartet has also been artist-in-residence at the Arosa Musikwochen in Switzerland. He has performed with the Tulsa Philharmonic, Adrian Symphony, Toledo Symphony, Toledo Concert Band, Columbus Symphony, the United States Navy Band Woodwind Quintet, University of Kentucky Orchestra, Bowling Green Philharmonia, the Lexington Philharmonic and the Lancaster Festival Orchestra. In addition to his saxophone studies, Wes has studied flute with Dave Mel at BGSU and Gordon Cole at the University of Kentucky. As a high school student, he studied with Dr. Ronald Monsen at the University of Kentucky. Wes has been teaching lessons both in private and group settings for the past 20 years. Currently he teaches private lessons, coaches the Glenn Echo Saxophone Quartet, the CMA Saxophone Quartet, the CMA Saxophone Trio, plays with the Columbus Music Academy Jazz Band and is a member of the Ohio Capital Wind Ensemble (OCWE). As principal saxophonist in OCWE, Wes has been featured on " Music in Mid Ohio," with Christopher Purdy. This same ensemble is slated to perform for President Bush during his visit to Columbus in May 2008. Wes is Co-Owner of Columbus Music Academy, Ltd., and is a Band Director in area schools and is the head coordinator and director of the Columbus Chapter of "New Horizons Music," an adult music program.

One final note, Wes had found that many teachers are not prepared to teach adult students. He enjoys teaching students of all ages and is completely prepared to lay out a plan of study for a student who is, for example, 50 years old and desires to start playing an instrument. You're never too old to start playing an instrument and enjoy the experience. Currently, his oldest student is 79 and has been studying for approximately 3 years.

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