Toot Your Own Horn with Blaise Parker (Episode 37)

Welcome to another episode of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! In this episode, we explore the timeless expression, "try, try again," which perfectly encapsulates the path of our guest, Blaise Parker. Blaise’s story is one of perseverance, experimentation, and ultimately, finding his voice after trying out four different instruments. Trust me, you're going to love this twisty tale! Growing up in a family that frequently relocated—thanks to his father’s journey from biology grad to pastor—Blaise spent much of his youth moving from one small town to another, often feeling disconnected from the vibrant city life he adored in Bowling Green, Ohio. Each move brought with it a unique challenge, including the personal struggle of coming to terms with his identity as a gay man during a time when acceptance was hard to come by. But in those quiet moments of solitude in rural communities, boredom turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Driven by a desire for connection and the search for something meaningful, Blaise stumbled upon a clarinet his grandmother had left him during a visit. What followed was nothing short of magical; in just one weekend, he devoured an entire Rubank book and unlocked a passion for music that would change the course of his life. From there, Blaise’s musical journey truly took off. Though financial constraints initially limited his dream of attending music school, joining the Air Force became a pivotal stepping stone. Despite the challenges of serving while being true to himself, the military experience provided him with the tools to thrive in music school as an adult. While Blaise had enough credits to graduate with a music performance degree, he chose to pursue music education—a decision he reflects on with mixed feelings. After four years in the classroom, he pivoted once again, leveraging the communication skills he had honed in the Air Force to focus on a different realm of his life. Today, Blaise has crafted a dual career that marries his management role at Verizon with his unwavering passion for music. He continues to inspire those around him and finds joy in every note he plays. So, settle in and get ready—this interview will fly by! Join me in welcoming the talented and inspiring Blaise Parker to Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters.