Tad Carpenter

Celebrating his 37th year with the USC TMB as Head Percussion Instructor and arranger, Tad is one of the busiest percussion instructors in Southern California. He received his Music Degree and Teaching Credentials from California State University, Northridge, and received his Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance with Honors from the USC Thornton School of Music. Tad is also the Director of Percussion Studies and Assistant Band Director at Pasadena City College. Tad has marched the Tournament of Roses Parade 37 years in a row with the various ensembles. He instructed and composed percussion music for the 1984 Olympic Band, 1991 Olympic Sports Festival, 1992 Democratic National Convention, 1994 World Cup Opening Ceremonies, Spirit of Tanjong Katong in Singapore, as well as various Super Bowls. Tad was also a featured performer and clinician for Remo in the 1996 and 1997 Southeast Asian Educational Tour. Tad has written music for USC Band performances in the Grammys, Academy Awards, the Guitar Center Drum-Off, and a multitude of other band and percussion performances. Tad has instructed the Sacramento Freelancers, Glassmen, Velvet Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, and was a marching member of Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom Korps. Tad served as Vice President of the California Chapter Percussive Arts Society and hosted the PASIC convention for marching percussion in Anaheim. Tad is a clinician for Yamaha Drums, Evans Drumheads, Avedis Zildjian Co. and Innovative Percussion. He continues to do summer workshops and clinics around the globe.

Contact: cmcarpenter@pasadena.edu