For fans of the beloved children’s animated series Peg + Cat, the operatic outbursts of Pig are instantly recognizable and utterly charming. But who is the voice behind this porcine performer, and what journey led him to become the singing sensation on PBS Kids? The actor behind Pig boasts a rich and diverse musical background, far beyond the barnyard. His story is a testament to a lifelong passion for music and the unexpected paths a career in vocal performance can take.
A Musical Journey Begins
Music was not just a hobby, but the very foundation of his upbringing. Growing up in a home filled with melodies, his parents, both music educators, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the arts. His mother and father, who actually first met while singing in their university choir, created a nurturing environment where music thrived. His dad, a band director and saxophone player, and his soprano singing mother, a choir teacher, filled their home with the sounds of piano and guitar. Family sing-alongs were a regular occurrence, featuring harmonies with his younger sister. This early immersion in music extended beyond the home, encompassing community theatre musicals, church performances, and school choirs. His formal musical training began early, taking up the trumpet alongside his sister and joining the marching band.
From Trumpet to Voice: Finding His Calling
His passion for music led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Music, initially focusing on trumpet performance and music composition. College was a time of exploration and growth, where he honed his skills not just on the trumpet, but also as a vocalist and songwriter. He immersed himself in the vibrant music scene, writing for, playing trumpet, and lending his voice to an energetic eight-piece funk band, and later a nine-piece swing band. These experiences ignited a serious interest in vocal performance, prompting him to pursue a Master’s degree with a focus on voice. His journey wasn’t confined to the concert hall; he actively participated in plays, musicals, and even operas, showcasing his versatility and solidifying his path as a vocal performer.
The Serendipitous Role of Pig
After graduation, his career took flight into the world of professional opera and musicals, eventually leading him to New York City. There, he connected with American Opera Projects (AOP), a vital organization dedicated to nurturing new operas. In a remarkable twist of fate, years before he became involved with AOP, Billy Aronson, the creator of Peg + Cat, had written the libretto for an opera called “Fireworks” for AOP, in which his future wife, Ann, was a principal singer. Years later, when he himself performed with AOP, the general director’s recommendation serendipitously landed him an audition for a new PBS Kids show by Billy Aronson – to voice an operatic Pig in Peg + Cat.
The role felt almost pre-ordained, given his lifelong affinity with pigs. As a proud alumnus of the University of Arkansas, whose mascot is the Razorback (a wild boar), he had enthusiastically embraced the “Hog” spirit. Sporting a hog hat and leading the iconic “Woooo, pig soooie!” cheer at games and in everyday life, his Twitter handle even became @operahog. So, when the opportunity arose to embody an operatic Pig on television, it felt like the culmination of a lifetime of playful preparation.
Voice Work for Peg + Cat: A Peek Behind the Scenes
The process of bringing Pig to life involves a carefully orchestrated series of steps. For each episode of Peg + Cat, he receives the script, highlighting his lines, along with MP3 demo recordings. These demos include a full episode recording, his cues with a demo voice, and piano cues. Intriguingly, despite Pig’s operatic style, he doesn’t receive traditional written music for his parts.
His preparation begins with immersing himself in the episode. He listens to the recording while following the script, understanding the narrative and Pig’s role within it. He then focuses on his individual lines, speaking them aloud, exploring different intentions, and making acting choices to build a consistent character. Only after this acting foundation is laid does he begin the “fun” part – adding the operatic singing.
He finds amusement and inspiration in the demo voices, often performed by the writers or composers, who enthusiastically interpret Pig’s vocalizations. If he needs to pinpoint specific notes, he turns to the piano track. Once he captures the essence of a line, he records himself and reviews the take, repeating this process until he feels confident in his performance. This thorough preparation ensures he arrives at the recording studio ready to refine his portrayal under direction, valuing everyone’s time.
In the studio, he collaborates with Billy Aronson, Jennifer Oxley, and Steve Rebollido. He describes their reactions to his performance as overwhelmingly positive, with their smiles making him feel valued. This collaborative and encouraging atmosphere is a highlight of playing Pig. Their enthusiasm reminds him of the special nature of his work, a sentiment he cherishes and strives to remember.
Favorite Moments: ‘The Pig Problem’ and Family Involvement
When asked about his favorite episode, “The Pig Problem” stands out. In this episode of Peg + Cat, Pig, yearning for the opera stage, performs the iconic tenor aria “Di quella pira” from Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.” This rendition is uniquely humorous, featuring a duet with a brontosaurus soprano who fears mosquitos, before Pig launches into the aria, using a calendar to explain mosquito seasonality and culminating in a showy high C. He relishes the opportunity to perform such a unique and comedic operatic piece.
However, his absolute favorite episode is “Peg Meets Cat,” despite Pig’s absence from it. This episode holds immense personal significance because his own children voiced Baby Peg and Baby Pig. He recounts their effortless performance in the studio, expressing amazement and pride in their young talent. Though his children were too young to remember the experience, this episode remains a cherished family memory.
The Heart of Peg + Cat: Education and Passion
What truly resonates with him about playing Pig is his belief in the show’s core mission. He emphasizes the educational value of Peg + Cat, which seamlessly integrates math, friendship, art, music, joy, compromise, understanding, compassion, humor, and love. He admires the dedication and talent of the entire team, who pour their hearts into every detail of each Peg + Cat episode. He feels fortunate to contribute to such a meaningful project, finding genuine happiness in being part of the Peg + Cat family.
Music Beyond Pig: A Diverse Career
Outside of his role as Pig on Peg + Cat, his musical life is incredibly diverse and fulfilling. As a freelance artist, he enjoys a wide range of vocal opportunities. His career spans from performing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the New York Philharmonic to sharing the stage with Madonna at the Met Gala, chanting “Like a Prayer.” He effortlessly transitions between operatic repertoire, jazz, rock, Bach, Handel, and various forms of choral music. He values his collaborations with fellow musicians in churches, synagogues, recording studios, and concert halls throughout the city. While singing takes precedence, he occasionally revisits the trumpet, hoping to eventually incorporate it into vocal recitals or jazz performances, and to dedicate more time to composing. Although his schedule is busy, he looks forward to expanding his musical horizons.
In conclusion, the voice of Pig on Peg + Cat is brought to life by an artist with a remarkable journey through the world of music, from family sing-alongs to opera stages and animated television. His passion for vocal performance and his appreciation for the educational mission of Peg + Cat shine through, making Pig a truly unforgettable character. Be sure to watch Peg + Cat weekdays on PBS KIDS (check your local listings) and experience the operatic charm of Pig for yourself!
