A native of Northwest Texas, Tony has been involved in bands since he could walk. But he discovered LGBA in the 80’s. His life then changed forever.

Tony first started as the founding director of the Tulsa Rainbow Band in 1987, but fate intervened and he moved to Florida in 1990. Tony then joined a band known as the Flamingo Freedom Band of South Florida were he got the LGBA Bug!

Seeing the plight of the smaller LGBA bands as they were new and trying to grow, Tony used his benefits of working for an airline and started getting musicians to the performances of those smaller bands to enhance their sound and appearance. This made the bands more attractive to spectating musicians who then wanted to join and play with them. A long track record ensued of successes from then on. Tony also combined the Tampa Bay Rainbow Pride Band and the Flamingo Freedom Band to lead the Florida contingent in the March on Washington in 1993 just after the Inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

Having been a member of South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, Desert Overture, and the Oak Lawn Band, Tony has performed with almost every LGBA band there is. He has a goal of being with the few he hasn’t gotten to play with. Many musicians across the country have benefited from playing with other groups thanks to Tony. And Tony has a great big THANK YOU to those musicians who radically changed their schedules and jump and flew across the country to help out the smaller bands!

Tony stated, “receiving the Pillar of Pride Award has set my heart a glow. Thanks to those who nominated me for this incredible honor. It means the world to me!”