The next episode of grooveTALK will feature John Evans, the principal timpanist for the Naples Philharmonic. The interview will premier on YouTube at 8pm on Thursday, October 22nd.

John Evans, principal timpanist, is in his thirtieth season with The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.  He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University and a Master of Music degree from Temple University, where he was a student of Alan Abel, former associate principal percussionist of the Philadelphia Orchestra.  

Evans has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Columbus Symphony, and has served as timpanist/ principal percussionist with the Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus.  He has appeared as soloist with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, the Naples Philharmonic Baroque Ensemble, the Pasadena Symphony, the Tallahassee Symphony, the Knightwind Ensemble of Milwaukee, and the Ohio State University Symphony.  In 1986 he won the Drum Corps International individual mallet competition.

Evans served nineteen years as the treasurer of the Florida chapter of the Percussive Arts Society.  He has twice been a featured clinician for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.  He is a symphonic endorser and clinician for the Sabian Cymbal Corporation, Grover Pro Percussion, and Remo Drumheads.

Evans resides in Naples with his wife and two sons.  He is an avid collector of antique mechanical kitchen items, highlighted by his collection of over 100 apple peelers.  He is the president of the International Association of Apple Parer Enthusiasts (APES).