A little About me!

Est. 1997
My story began in the small island of St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands. Less than a year after my birth, my family packed up and moved to North Carolina when my dad joined the army. My mom joined the army shortly after, thus initiating an 18 year-long journey of various moves, new experiences, and new friends.
"That Cello Guy"
I’ve never considered myself an extraordinary musician, but I have always loved to share what I was working on with others, and everyone began knowing me as “that guy that plays the cello.” Motivated by the positive responses to my music, I started recording myself with my camera phone playing popular songs that I learned by ear. This was where I really started loving the cello.
Music School or Military?
Naturally, service was a strong value in my family, and I faced the decision toward the end of high school of pursuing a degree in music or entering into the service. A mentor at the time told me that it would be possible to continue making music no matter where I went, so I decided to pursue the military, attending the US Military Academy at West Point… and yes, I brought my cello!
After College
After graduation, I commissioned as a 2LT in the Army and was sent to flight school to learn how to fly helicopters. While at flight school, I met the love of my life, Bailey Glades Perinon, who also flies helicopters and has a passion for loving others and experiencing the world. We’ve got big plans of mixing those two passions in the years to come!

While the schedule of flight school is a bit unpredictable and demanding at times, I make it my goal to play as much cello as possible, for as many people as possible. And that includes you too!
Deciding Cello
This is perhaps the most frequent question that I get asked. “So…. Why the cello?” I wish I had a cooler, more in-depth reason behind my decision, but when it comes down to it, fifth grade Dion did not want to live in the shadow of his two older brothers who played violin, so he just decided to one-up them and pick the biggest instrument he could find. I actually tried quitting after the first year of playing, but my teacher called my mom and pleaded with her to keep at it… so I did!
Classical Training
My parents weren’t able to afford lessons, but a very kind local cellist in El Paso took me in and gave me cello lessons for 3 years, helping me to practice technical repertoire for my regional/state auditions, the local youth symphony, and for solo pieces. This training provided a strong technical foundation that allows me freely express myself in my playing to this very day.
Unique Opportunities
While at West Point, I was AMAZED by the opportunities that existed to share my music with others. I was a part of several special music dedications for events, and I got to play for all kinds of people, to include Ruth Bader Ginsburg and General Austin!