School of Music Gives Rhythm to Boston Symphony

The percussion section of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is also the BU division. Three percussion alums—Dan Bauch (’04), Kyle Brightwell (’12), and Matthew McKay (’11)—are members of the section, under the leadership of BSO Principal Timpanist and CFA Lecturer Tim Genis. “Our percussion department is widely known for having an exceptional work ethic and for its tradition of excellence,” says Richard Cornell, School of Music director ad interim. “The long history of deep connection to the Boston Symphony has been essential to our program.” BU’s commitment to excellence in percussion was highlighted recently with the opening of the Judith R. Harris Center for Music Teaching & Learning on CFA’s ground floor, which features a suite dedicated to percussion teaching and practice.—Rachel Johnson