WASD Music Teacher, Percussion
Educator, Recording Artist/Producer, new dad.
I was in third grade when my mother finally got tired of hearing
me banging the kitchen table along with her Rolling Stones
LPs and decided that I should have lessons. So I guess I've
been a musician for quite a while! I studied percussion at
Indiana University of PA with Gary Olmstead. I am an active
member of the WSO, WCCO, and a free-lance percussionist in
the Williamsport area.
I am now entering my eighth year as band director at Lycoming
Valley Middle School in the WASD. I am also an assistant director
with the Marching Millionaires and teach the WAHS Percussion
Ensemble.
I just finished my term as President of PMEA District 8 (a
great experience working with some truly talented educators
in this area!). While working on the State Board, I helped
pass a proposal by District 8 to hold total percussion auditions
at the State Level, requiring participating students to be
proficient on timpani, snare drum and keyboard percussion
instruments.
I also am the percussionist, and producer/engineer (with the
amazing Tim Breon) for my wife, Kristin Fisher. She has been
writing, recording, and performing Contemporary Christian
Music for three years. She is currently working on her fourth
CD with Chris Dincher. Information about her music and ministry
is available at www.fishmusic.com.
favorite music
Kristin Fisher (of course). Gary Burton, Lionel Hampton, The
O-Zone Percussion Group, Nancy Zeltsman, Keiko Abe, a number
of Contemporary Christian artists, every Billy Joel album
(I learned to play drums listening to these!), lots of RUSH
(every drummer should know who Neil Peart is), and much, much,
more!
favorite stories
I played the Quica behind Gary Burton when he did a residency
at IUP. Watching him play was certainly one of the greatest
musical experiences I’ve ever had. It was the beginning
of my love for the vibes. Also, playing the crash cymbal part
in Beethoven’s Ninth with the WSO. Probably a million rests
for under two minutes of music—but it was great fun!
