Brian Nozny’s career as a percussionist, composer, and educator spans a wide array of musical styles, including classical, jazz, world, and popular genres.  As a percussionist, he has performed in an orchestral capacity with many orchestras throughout the country, and previously served as the Principal Percussionist with the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra. His excursions into chamber music have included collaborations with groups such as the Bravura Percussion Trio, the Copper Street Brass Quintet, the nief-norf project, and the Omaha Percussion Ensemble.

As a composer, his original works and arrangements are performed regularly throughout the nation. Notable ensembles that have premiered Nozny’s compositions include the Caixa Trio, the MASS Marimba Band, and NEXUS.  Brian’s most recent commission, an original work for percussion orchestra, Have You Ever Seen The Grand Canyon?, was premiered by the Florida State University Percussion Ensemble in the Spring of 2013 and is featured on their latest CD.  Brian’s compositions have been published by Drop 6 Media, Henmar Press, and Innovative Percussion.

Nozny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Tech, Master’s degrees in Composition and Performance from the University of Miami and the University of North Texas respectively, and his Doctoral degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Kentucky. His primary percussion teachers include James Campbell, John Willmarth, Mark Ford, Christopher Deane, Paul Rennick, Ed Smith, Ed Soph, and Ney Rosauro; his compositional training has benefited from study with Jon Nelson, Don Wilson, and Jon Polifrone.

Currently Brian is on the percussion faculty at Troy University in Troy, AL.  He is proud to be endorsed by Evans Drumheads, Innovative Percussion, Pearl Corporation/Adams Musical Instruments, and SABIAN Cymbals.  More information on Brian can be found on his website at www.briannozny.com .