Michael B started playing the alto sax as a 3rd grader in Washington, DC, but never joined the school bands, nor has he ever taken a private lesson.  He learned to read music from church hymnals, and his ear training comes from playing along with television themes.  In High School, joining the DC Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble sharpened his reading skills.

Michael’s career as an electrical engineer kept him on the road, so for four years, his sax hung on the wall above the fireplace.  He pulled it down to play for a Sunday School class, and never put it back. 

“What many people don’t know is that I dabble in a variety of instruments, and my favorite instrument is the oboe; not the sax.  I was in a Beatles tribute band for years as Paul McCartney, and people thought of me as a bass player, not a sax player. I need variety: if I ever become bored, or treat performing as a job, it’s game over for me! Versatile doesn’t adequately describe me.”

Michael retired as the head of International Engineering for General Mills, and has lived in 10 different states with his wife Luella, who has supported Michael’s music for over 46 years.  He has played on the Squares in The Villages with a couple of groups as well as church worship bands.  “I hope to perform until I am physically unable, and don’t plan to ever stop again.  Ideally, I would love to perform with my grandsons, but I refuse to play at my own funeral!”