In 2025, I founded NeonSax Studio to create a dynamic and accessible learning environment for saxophonists of all skill levels. Recognizing the need for structured yet engaging group instruction, I designed a yearlong curriculum divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced lesson tracks. Each group meets weekly and follows a clear progression of skills focused on tone, technique, ensemble playing, and musical expression.
The studio emphasizes community and collaboration, encouraging students to learn not only from their instructor but also from each other. By fostering a supportive atmosphere rooted in shared goals and high expectations, NeonSax Studio helps students grow as confident, capable musicians. Whether it’s a student’s first note or preparation for advanced performance, the studio is built to guide each player on their unique musical journey.
If you would like information on lessons, check out the "Lessons" tab!
Band & Orchestra Director (2024–Present)
As Director of Band and Orchestra at University High School, I’ve worked to reinvigorate the music program through a focus on student leadership, ensemble culture, and meaningful performance opportunities. I reintroduced the jazz band’s participation in the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, implemented a structured leadership training system, and cultivated a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their growth. My goal has been to create a program that inspires excellence, builds community, and prepares students to thrive both as musicians and leaders.
Washington State University (2023)
In 2023, I was honored with the Teacher of the Game recognition by Washington State University, a special award presented during a WSU football game to spotlight outstanding educators across the state. This recognition, proudly nominated by my principal, acknowledged my commitment to student growth, leadership in the music classroom, and the positive culture I strive to build within my school community. Being recognized on the field at my alma mater made the experience even more meaningful.
(2022–2024)
During my time as the Music Specialist at Holmes Elementary, I launched the school’s largest event, Concert on the Playground, bringing the entire community together through music. This event showcased not only the elementary musicians, but we brought down the middle school band and orchestra, as well as the high school jazz band. This was a great event to get started at the school where community food trucks and Ice cream shops helped support the event. The second year of this concert increased the community turnout to feature over 20 community organizations to support the school community.
During my time at Holmes I also led the after-school Drum Club, culminating in a memorable field trip to see the Broadway tour of STOMP, giving students a powerful, real-world connection to rhythm and performance. This group focused on rhythm, and student leadership skills to rehearse in professional methods to put together small ensembles.
During finals week of 2022, Me and my wife Cassie welcomed James Dale into the world. He is the sweetest thing ever and we are so excited to see him grow up. He is already SUPER interested in music and all of the instruments in our house. He loves the Piano and drum set specifically. Hopefully when he is older he will take to other instruments as well and out play his dad!
Dale family at Greenbluff picking apples.
On September 4th, 2021, Cassie and I celebrated our wedding in Everett WA. Now living in Spokane WA, I completed my student teaching under Nathan Westlund at West Valley High School. Graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education and Saxophone Performance; I am now working as a substitute teacher in the Spokane and Spokane Valley area.
While at WSU, I met my best friend and wife Cassie while in the Cougar Marching Band. A former color guard member and a graduate of the WSU Psychology department. We celebrated our wedding in September of 2021, and I am ecstatic to spend the rest of my life with the most compassionate and beautiful woman in the world.
During the summers I work as a Drone Pilot and Land Surveyor technician in Spokane at Benthin & Associates, a world renown survey firm that regularly surveys United States embassies. This job has given me the chance to learn all about how legal work and policy is created, enacted, and enforced at a county, state, and national level; where I was even able to assist in the creation of these policies in conjunction with the owner of the firm.
In the summer of 2020 I chose to obtain my Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Small (UASs) Remote Pilot Certificate, in other words my Drone Pilot License, to create an additional form of revenue during the summers. Projects that I have collaborated on already include the use of aerial imagery and videography to create maps, court exhibits, and professional documentation through the use of drones. Passing my FAA certification with a 97%, I received my official license in the beginning of September along with my dad, Walter. With this new avenue both myself and my dad have decided to co-found Dale Drone Services in the Spokane area.
October 20th 2020- I presented my senior recital in my cumulation of my music education and saxophone performance degree. With the help of my studio professor Horace Alexander Young at Washington State, I was able to fully record, mix, edit, and produce a final product all of my own equipment and software with the assistance of Donna E. Scott. The program consisted of original works or arrangements from Eugene Bozza, Paul Creston, Pierre Max Dubois, Lennie Niehaus, Joe Henderson, and Greg Yasinitsky. Performed solely on baritone sax, I learned so much in the two week whirlwind that happened because of COVID-19. From using a professional microphone set, to lighting, videography, audio mixing, video editing, and production the final video that aired over the WSU School of Music YouTube channel.
If you would like to watch the final product, there are links in the "Recordings" tab!
Achieving my Eagle Scout rank taught me timeless values instilled in the scout law, most notably courage, loyalty, and helpfulness. My employment at Camp Easton on Lake Coeur D'Alene gave me a unique opportunity to develop and refine what ever skill I set my mind to. Being able to polish my management style at camp opened the door for additional opportunities such as organizing full-camp activities, all of which included 400+ participants and staff, and creating new and motivational activities that had never been done before that align with certain holidays that fall during the summer months. After high school graduation I was promoted to the Area Director of the First-year camper area, featuring the 2nd largest participation area outside of the world-renown aquatics area at Easton. During this time I was tasked with the management of over 15 classes, and 9 staff members teaching those classes throughout the day.
The next year I was again promoted to the Assistant Program Director. I was in charge of all camp-wide activities throughout the day, the improvement of all classes during the day taught by over 50 staff, as well as teaching an Adult Leadership course to over 25 adults per week. With the visibility of this position, I was recognized by adult leaders every day at the morning meetings for the hard work and positive attitude that I put forth whenever I interacted with both students and adult leaders.
Graduating from University High School in 2016 and after a successful summer as the Eagle Quest Area Director I began my time in the sousaphone section under long-time marching friend Bryson Roberts. During that time I was also chosen as co-section leader for the 2017 season where again I was able to refine my teaching and leadership skills in a collegiate atmosphere. Finally, at the 2017 Holiday Bowl I was elected as one of three drum majors for the Cougar Marching Band. Some of the duties and responsibilities that fall onto the drum majors are the support and assistance of the section leaders when asked, as well as organizing and performing small-ensemble performances at various alumni and donor events.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION