Brian Tinkel

Percussionist Brian Tinkel enjoys a career that draws on his background both in teaching and in performance as chamber musician, soloist, and orchestral player. He is currently the Director of Percussion Studies at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Tinkel performs with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, was Principal Timpanist with the Enid Symphony, and has performed with the Oklahoma Philharmonic. He is Co-Artistic Director of the Brio Chamber Series and a member of Mosaic Flute and Percussion Duo with his wife, Cynthia Roop.

Dr. Tinkel has received both a B.M. and M.M. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied with Thom Hannum, Eduardo Leandro, and Dr. Peter Tanner. In addition, while studying with Dr. Lance Drege, he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Having been involved in the drum corps activity for two decades, Tinkel performed as a member of the Boston Crusaders and Star of Indiana. He went on to perform with Star of Indiana's Brass Theater production where he toured with The Canadian Brass and Nexus. Since devoting his time to teaching, Brian has been on faculty with the Crossmen, Glassmen, and has coordinated percussion activities for Magic of Orlando and the Madison Scouts. In addition he has served as Percussion Caption Director and Arranger for Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps and served as a percussion consultant for The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 Brian Tinkel became Percussion Caption Head for The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps where he continues to serve in this role.

Dr. Tinkel has been a featured clinician at numerous college and high school workshops and arranges for percussion ensembles across the country. Each summer Mars Hill College hosts the MulTiPerc Summer Percussion Camp. This four-day camp is for high school and middle school students interested in furthering their skills and knowledge in percussion arts. More information regarding the camp can be obtained by visiting www.multiperc.com.

Dr. Tinkel is an artist and clinician for the Avedis Zildjian Co., Pearl-Adams Corporation, REMO Inc., and Innovative Percussion. Brian resides near Asheville, North Carolina, with his wife Cynthia, daughter Lydia, and cat Oscar.