Instructor - Vocalist and Pianist

As a " Baby Boomer" born and reared in Chicago, his first musical influences came from the Baptist Church choir experience, later drum and bugle corps during elementary school, then, band and choir during high school.

At the age of sixteen, Theo was enrolled at the Loop City College (now known as Harold Washington City College) and a music class taught by the celebrated Professor James Mack. During this era, the "Motown Sound" was at its apex and Theo found his way to perform as the "5th Tenor" with a local R & B group called " The Innovations." This group anchored a revue that toured the "Chitterling Circuit" and eventually was recorded at CBS Studios. Unfortunately, the lifespan of that group was short-lived.

Leaving Chicago in 1972 to enroll at the University of Massachusetts' School of Business proved to be a milestone in his career - it was on that campus that he met and studied with musical giants Max Roach and Archie Shepp. After that fateful experience, upon returning to Chicago, Theo's only quest was for musical excellence, hence, his studies continued at the American Conservatory of Music.

With the inspiration of "The Music of Black Americans" (a comprehensive exploration of the rich musical heritage of African Americans by Elieen Southern) coupled with "The Principles of Harmony" ( a book of musical theory mandated by the Conservatory) Theo's Musical Theatre career was officially launched at the Better Boys Foundation's production of "The Me Nobody Knows" under the mentorship of Ernest McCarty. The career continued and was further enhanced upon contract with the Black Theatre Alliance of Chicago (later to become the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago) first as a member, later as treasurer and finally as Vice-President to President Abena Joan Brown. This exposure led to Theo being selected to his first position as "Musical Director" of eta's Mainstage Production of Melvin Van Peebles" "Ain't Suppose to Die A Natural Death." Since then, Theo has been the M.D. for over a dozen shows on the Mainstage and with eta"s Showfolk Series" (educational theatre of children).

More recently, Theo has worked with organizations such as Urban Gateway, Youth Guidance, Ravinia, Festival Association, Lakeside Community Committee, Westside Cultural Arts Council, the Black United Fund of Illinois, Chicago West Community Music Center, and Muntu Dance Theatre to name a few.

Theo's motto is "The Best IS YET TO COME!!