Illustrious alumni
YSU's percussion students evolve into accomplished alumni musicians, achieving notable success across a variety of professions. These include freelance performers and recording artists in Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Shanghai, and Honolulu; public school music educators nationwide, including those in six-time "Top 100 Music Community in the United States" areas; and musicians touring and recording with rock bands like Breaking Benjamin, Red Wanting Blue, J.D. Eicher, Trevor Hall, and the Vindy's. Many also teach at universities in China, Brazil, and the United States, including the Cleveland Institute of Music, Kent State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Texas A&M Commerce, Casper College, Capital University, Denison University, Wright State University, Ball State
University, Otterbein University, Clarion University, West Liberty State College, and Southern Illinois University. Others have instructed the DCI Phantom Regiment Front Ensemble and WGI Matrix Front Ensemble, toured on top world cruise lines, or served as drum techs with Rascal Flatts and Old Dominion. We also have jazz drummers in New York City, the director of the Troopers DCI Drum and Bugle Corps, performers in the United States Army Band, composers, artist endorsers with top percussion companies, world percussion dance accompanists, and drum circle facilitators. Our alumni have been featured on the cover of Modern Drummer Magazine, made television appearances on major network late shows and America’s Got Talent, and contributed to recordings for major films and musicals. Some have written and arranged music for the Super Bowl, while others work in the music manufacturing and retail industries. Additionally, many serve as music directors, arrangers, and producers with major popular music artists such as Coldplay and Beyoncé. YSU percussion alums continue to earn master’s and doctoral degrees at top graduate schools across the United States.
