Jesse’s parents attended the University of Oregon in the late 1970s and while he was born in Eugene he grew up in Spokane, Washington. Jesse was drawn to music, saxophone, and specifically Jazz early in life and spent tons of time practicing. His parents were and are to this day quite noise-tolerant. After completing his bachelors and masters degrees in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, Jesse was extremely enthusiastic to move back to the Pacific Northwest when his wife, Idit got a job teaching at the University of Oregon. Since moving to Eugene Jesse served as a Saxophone Instructor at Lane Community College for around twelve years and has served as a performer, Music Director, and Music Arranger, for The Shedd's Emerald City Jazz Kings and Oregon Festival of American Music. In the shifting currents of life, and to some extent the chaos of the pandemic, Jesse took the opportunity to pivot into a new position around a year and a half ago as the Facilities Coordinator at Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School. Jesse is loving engaging with the Ridgeline staff and students and loves that his job allows him to work with people and use his inquisitive nature and creativity in new and exciting ways practically every day.