Dennis was born and raised in Billings, Montana. Music has always been a big part of his life. His primary instrument is percussion, but his later training included bassoon. He started playing dance jobs when he was 15 years old and continues to do so today. He attended Montana State University and graduated in Industrial Engineering in 1972 and in Music Education in 1973.

Dennis taught band and orchestra for the Great Falls Public Schools starting at Paris Gibson Junior High, then to Great Falls High and North Middle School, and retiring from C.M. Russell High School in 2012. He earned a Masters of Music from Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago in 1981, and has done additional studies at Northern Colorado, University of Michigan, and University of Montana. Dennis teaches percussion methods and lessons as requested.

Dennis has been a member of the Great Falls Symphony for over 35 years and a member of the 1st Congregational Chancel Choir for over 30 years. He is the founding director of Cantabelle Ringers, our hand bell choir, which has been playing for the church as well as state-wide and regional conventions since 1986.