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Brian Del Signore
Brian Del Signore is the Principal Percussionist of Houston Symphony, having joined the orchestra at that position in 1986. Brian also held the position of Associate Principal Timpanist with Houston Symphony for 31 years. Mr. Del Signore heads the percussion department at Houston Christian University and has presented clinics and master classes at music schools around the USA including New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, Yale University, Berkley College of Music, The Julliard School, Manhattan School of Music, New York University, Curtis Institute of Music, Peabody Conservatory, Carnegie Mellon University, Cleveland Institute of Music, The Colburn School in Los Angeles, North Texas State University, and San Francisco Conservatory. Brian endorses and is sponsored by the following manufacturers of high-quality percussion instruments; Remo Corporation, Sabian Cymbals, Pearl/Adams Percussion, ProMark/D’Addario, and Black Swamp Percussion.

Orchestral Principal Percussionist in a Changing World

Symphonic
Clinic / PerformanceLive

Orchestral Principal Percussionist In A Changing World is a clinic with demos and performance exploring the duties of the modern day principal percussionist in the symphonic world. At PASIC 2026, I will have just retired from a 40 year career as Principal Percussionist of Houston Symphony. I have seen the principal percussion job change significantly over my career, getting more and more complicated and demanding. Many tasks and roles are expected from us that we do not get trained for in music school. This clinic will address the wide-ranging responsibilities of the principal percussionist in our modern world. The program outline is below.

Job #1: Performance
Develop mallet playing, cymbal playing, soft SD playing and all instruments with demos
Development and Preparation for Winning Auditions
Development and Preparation for Playing in an Orchestra
Getting Tenure And Keeping the Job
What are the most important things to accomplish every day at work and at home?

Job #2: Administrative Work
Parts Assignments
Equipment Set-up
Procuring Equipment on a timely basis
Dealing with Stagehands and Crew
Working With Management and the Production Team
Equipment Maintenance and Inventory

Job #3: Leadership
What is expected of you in the leadership role?
What can you expect from your section, management, and colleagues?
How to promote a healthy workplace and musical life for your section.

Performance and Finale
7 to 10 Minute Percussion and Marimba Performance by Brian Del Signore