Meet the Band

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Founder · Lead Vocals · Guitar · Songwriter

Eric Boggess is the founder, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter for Theories Of Mind. With a musical background that includes early training in piano, violin, and saxophone, Eric brings a broad, composition-driven approach to guitar and songwriting. He studied at Berklee College of Music and has continued a long-term commitment to musical growth through disciplined practice, writing, and study, including ongoing work since 2016 with Anthony Pirog of The Messthetics and studies at the Levine School of Music. His playing and writing emphasize tone, interaction, and emotional clarity, with a focus on creating space for both structure and spontaneity within a band setting.

A woman with glasses, wearing a gray bandana, red shirt, and black vest, playing an electric guitar during a live music performance in a cozy venue decorated with fireworks-themed posters and black curtains.

Lead & Rhythm Guitars

Scott Castonguay is a Washington, DC–area guitarist whose playing reflects decades of experience across jazz, rock, pop, soul, funk, blues, and reggae. Trained in classical and jazz guitar and music theory at Northern Virginia Community College, Scott has performed in a wide range of settings—from small ensembles and big bands to clubs, pit orchestras, and studio sessions—and has led his own jazz trio since the early 1990s. In addition to performing, he has been a dedicated music educator since 1984, teaching students of all ages and levels. His role in Theories Of Mind adds technical depth, stylistic range, and musical maturity to the band’s sound.

Bass

James Pender came to music through curiosity and hands-on experience rather than formal training, developing an early appreciation for songs, structure, and feel through years of close listening. He began playing guitar in high school before transitioning organically to bass during his involvement in local music scenes and jam-based projects in the early 1990s. As the band’s bassist, James brings a grounded, collaborative approach, providing a steady rhythmic and melodic foundation that supports Theories Of Mind’s focus on groove, space, and ensemble connection.

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Drums

Bruce Copening is a Washington, DC–born drummer and producer based in Arlington, Virginia. He began playing drums in church settings, developing a strong sense of feel, pocket, and musical responsiveness, and later expanded his work across performance and production after studying at Morehouse College in Atlanta. His approach blends traditional drumming with modern production sensibilities, adding both energy and structure to Theories Of Mind’s sound.

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Backing Vocals · Flute

Maggie Dunne grew up in Arlington, Virginia, making music with family and friends and developing a strong appreciation for collaboration and creative expression. As a member of Theories Of Mind, she contributes backing vocals and flute, adding warmth, texture, and expressive contrast to the band’s arrangements. Maggie can be found on Instagram at @maggiespeaking and @art.welldunne.

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Keyboards

Joshua Dorton began making music at a young age with a focus on creating work that carries meaning and encouragement. His approach is shaped by family, faith, and a grounded creative perspective, which he brings to Theories Of Mind through keyboard parts that add harmonic depth and texture to the band’s sound.