MR JIM CASELLA (California USA)

Jim Casella is the Percussion Arranger for the six-time world champion Santa Clara Vanguard drum and bugle corps from Santa Clara, California. He received his education from San Jose State University and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

From 1989-98, Jim was an active freelance performer in the San Francisco bay area where he performed with such groups as the San Jose Symphony, California Symphony, Santa Cruz County Symphony, and Monterey County Symphony. In addition, he was the principal percussionist and assistant timpanist of the Peninsula Symphony from San Mateo, CA. Casella currently resides in Portland, OR with his wife, Willow, where he works as an composer/arranger for TV commercials and percussion ensembles throughout the country.

Casella is regarded as one of todays foremost authorities in marching percussion. He is an active clinician and endorser for Pearl Corporation, Innovative Percussion Inc, Vic Firth Inc., Avedis Zildjian Co., and Remo Inc., Sibelius Software, and Tap Space Publications. His signature series drumstick is manufactured by Vic Firth Inc., and his signature line of marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone mallets is made by Innovative Percussion Inc. Casella also produced the innovative new percussion sample library,
"Virtual Drumline," and is the co-author of Fresh Perspectives for the Modern Drumline, and the upcoming book, UP FRONT ­ A Complete Resource for Todays Pit Ensemble, all produced by Tap Space Publications.