Gary J. Olmstead

Dr. Gary Olmstead received the Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Michigan, the Master of Fine Arts Degree from Ohio University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He has studied with James Salmon, Stanley Leonard, and Cloyd Duff. Honors include the 1985 "Teacher of the Year" Award presented by the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association, the 1987 "Achievement in Music Award" presented by Ohio University, the 1994 "Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching" from IUP, and membership in Phi Kappa Phi, National Honor Society. Olmstead has served the Percussive Arts Society as President, a member of the Board of Directors, First Vice-President, and currently as a permanent member of the Board of Directors and the Past-President's Advisory Committee. He has also served the Music Teachers National Association as National Percussion Chairman. His extensive performing experience includes performances with the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra. Olmstead served twenty-three seasons as Principal Timpanist of the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and served as Principal Timpanist of the Keystone Wind Ensemble since its inception. He recently retired after 37 years as Director of Percussion studies,