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High School:

Russell attended high school in the Antelope Valley, where he attended GATE classes and was a 4-year honor student.  In High School, Russell became active in many extra curricular activities, including orchestra, marching band, drama and sculpture. 

Russell played French horn for 3 years in the concert band, orchestra and marching band, and was elected as band council president in his senior year.  He was also invited to sing as a soloist for the jazz band after the director recognized his vocal talents.

Russell was also active in the High School theatre program, and was a Member of International Thespian Society.

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1994 California Arts Scholar:

Nominated by his High School teachers, Russell received recognition as a California Arts Scholar by the Governor and invited to attend the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) in Santa Clarita, California.  Russell studied animation with some of California’s most skilled and talented instructors, as well as the fine group of creative students who were also invited.

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Community Theatre:

Cedar Street & Antelope Valley College – all performances at Lancaster Performing Arts Center

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Entertainment: 

Though several years of college, Russell worked for Cast of Thousands performing as characters for children’s parties and delivering singing telegrams.

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University of Southern California:

In 1995, Russell was accepted into the University of Southern California Fine Arts program.

In his freshman year, Russell was a member of the USC "Spirit of Troy" Marching Band, where he played Mellophone, and marched in the Rose Parade ‘96.

During his junior year, Russell's achievements in sculpture were recognized when he received the Yvonne Kramer Fine Arts Scholarship.

For his senior project, Russell Collaborated with friend and fellow artist Keli Hosaka to create a gallery installation entitled "Phantasies - A Journey of Faith". This large scale installation involved the creation of several rooms through which the viewer is led along the journey of a girl, named Faith, from a point in her childhood where she loses her belief in fantasy, and is thrown into a harsh reality where ultimately dreams are not only lost, but packaged and sold.

Russell graduated in Spring of 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts – with focus on Sculpture.

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Independent Artist:

After graduation from USC, Russ was invited by one of his professors – noted Public Artist, Barbara McCarren, to work with her as a Studio Assistant.  Russell assisted Barbara with art installations, and created sculptures for her projects.  Most notable was a series of bronze frogs which were installed as part of the installation “Split Mound”, a collaboration between McCarren and artist Jud Fine.

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Professional Vocalist:

After taking a break from the performing arts to pursue a career in the visual arts, Russell realized just how much he missed being in the spotlight and being on stage. Inspired by the emerging "popera" genre made popular by artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Sara Brightman, Lara Fabian, and Josh Groban, Russell realized that perhaps there was a place for a full voiced tenor in pop music culture, and began to work on perfecting his vocal abilities.

Performing mostly at karaoke bars and open mic nights, Russell quickly developed not only a full repertoire, but a small fan base as well. Russell soon began to get requests to sing at weddings and events. In Winter of 2008, Russell was approached to perform at the annual City of Riverside "Festival of Lights".