Damien is a native Detroiter and a graduate of Cass Technical High School who, as a music educator, conductor and arts entrepreneur, has had an extraordinary impact on the cultural and civic life in his hometown.  Damien is the co-founder and CEO of Crescendo Detroit, a nonprofit whose mission is to transform the lives of school children by engaging them in intense instrumental music, vocal music, and dance programs that promote artistic excellence and character building.

Damien holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University, and a Master’s in Conducting from The University of Michigan. Damien studied horn with Bryan Kennedy and Doug Campbell and Conducting with Dr. Ronnie Wooten and Profesor H. Robert Reynolds

After graduating from the University of Michigan, Damien served as Director of Bands and Orchestra at Southfield-Lathrup High School. Under his direction the Southfield-Lathrup ensembles, including the Lathrup Symphony Band, performed in San Francisco, Chicago, the Bahamas, at the White House, and Carnegie Hall. Many of his students from Southfield-Lathrup are currently professional musicians, music teachers, and artists across the country.

In addition to his work with Crescendo Detroit, Damien also serves as the conductor of the Farmington Community Band, Detroit Symphony’s Civic Youth Concert Band and the Detroit Community Concert Band.

Damien also serves as the Managing Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s new Detroit Harmony Initiative. Through a collaborative citywide effort, Detroit Harmony provides instruments to every K-12 public, private, and charter school student in the city who wants to learn to play music.