Tad Carpenter | ASST. BAND DIRECTOR & PErcussion Director

A past Vice President of the California chapter of PAS, Tad Carpenter has built a distinguished career in marching bands and drum & bugle corps. 

Tad earned his undergraduate music degree and teaching credentials at California State University Northridge. He followed with a Masters in Percussion Performance, earning honors status at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. 

Tad has been involved in marching virtually since he could carry a drum. At age 11, he was playing with Santa Clara Vanguard. At 14, Tad got his first taste of success, winning the High Drum Caption with SVC in 1975. Over the years, he has instructed winning corps and marching bands including the Sacramento Freelancers, Glassmen, Velvet Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. Tad has also marched with the Disneyland Magic Kingdom Korps. 

His horizons expanding, Carpenter led and composed percussion for the 1984 Olympic Band, the 1991 Olympic Sports Festival, the 1994 World Cup Opening Ceremonies in Los Angeles, and the Spirit of Tanjong in Singapore. 

Tad instructs the Lancer Marching Band, Tournament of Roses Honor Band, PCC Percussion Ensemble and the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band Drumline. 

Tad is an endorsee for Innovative Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals and a Musician's Advisory Board member for EVANS Drumheads.

Email Mr. Carpenter - cmcarpenter@pasadena.edu