John Evans, Principal Timpani
Louise and Henry Leander Chair
John Evans received a Bachelor of Music Education from The Ohio State University and a Master of Music from Temple University, where he was a student of Alan Abel, former associate principal percussionist of The Philadelphia Orchestra. John has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony and has served as timpanist/principal percussionist with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus. He has appeared as soloist with the Naples Philharmonic, Pasadena Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, Knightwind Ensemble of Milwaukee and The Ohio State University Symphony. As a student, he won the Drum Corps International individual mallet competition.
John served 19 years as treasurer of the Florida Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. He has twice been a featured clinician for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and he is a symphonic endorser and clinician for the Sabian Cymbal Corporation, Grover Pro Percussion and Remo Drumheads.
John is an avid collector of antique mechanical kitchen items, highlighted by his collection of over 100 apple peelers. He currently serves as the president of the International Society of Apple Parer Enthusiasts (ISAPE). He has been a member of the Naples Philharmonic since 1989.
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The facts:
I studied with Alan Abel, associate principal percussionist of The Philadelphia Orchestra, at Temple University. I won my job with the Naples Philharmonic in June of 1991.
What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
I enjoy the variety of music that this orchestra performs, from classical to pops to ballet.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
Matching intonation with the rest of the orchestra is probably the most challenging thing on my instrument. It is a copper bowl with a piece of calf or plastic stretched across it.
What are your favorite compositions?
Beethoven and Mahler symphonies.
What have you been listening to recently?
Pat Metheny and the ’70s station on Sirius XM radio.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
None.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I collect mechanical kitchen antiques, especially apple parers. I am the current president of ISAPE (International Society of Apple Parer Enthusiasts).