“I believe in getting to know my students so that I can hear about their passions and experiences. We build a platform of trust as we share our stories, joys, and fears. And yes, I challenge them, but it is challenge with compassion, as I cultivate each student’s ability to become an independent learner, and discover an inner voice, and the ability to articulate it clearly.

“As my students see me performing in professional productions such as Dreamgirls, which played recently in Columbus, or with the Newark (Ohio) Symphony, they are excited to learn about what it takes to be a performing musician. Rehearsing with an orchestra and performing with professionals is another level of competency that students must acquire. I am here to teach, mentor, and inspire them.”

Larry Griffin (B.M.E., Virginia State University; M.M. ,D.M.A., University of Minnesota, is Professor of Music at OWU. He is a frequent soloist and conductor and directs  the University’s Park Avenue Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Pep Band. Dr. Griffin is an experienced trumpet player whose areas of expertise are trumpet, brass instruments, and conducting.