BYSO Percussion Lab – Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras

BYSO Percussion Lab /

An Introductory Program for Young Musicians in Grades 4–7. This program introduces young musicians to the rich and varied world of percussion. No prior percussion experience is required! The BYSO Percussion Lab is for budding musicians of all backgrounds; some prior music reading experience is strongly recommended. Designed for students in grades 4–7, this class provides a structured, technique-driven experience across the full spectrum of percussion instruments, from snare drum and timpani to mallet keyboards, drum set, accessories, and Latin percussion. The session will culminate in a performance for friends and family.

Why Percussion?

Percussion is an accessible and rewarding path into music. For students with no prior experience, it offers an intuitive entry point. For students who already play an instrument, percussion develops a deeper sense of pulse, independence, and rhythmic integrity that strengthens everything they do. Beyond the instruments themselves, percussion teaches focus, coordination, active listening, and teamwork. With so many instruments to explore, there is always something new to discover and master!

BYSO Percussion Lab Program Overview

Class Structure:

1. Snare Drum & Technique Foundation
Every class begins with the snare drum and drum pad, where students master the matched grip—the universal drumming technique that transfers directly to mallet keyboard instruments, timpani, and beyond. Building this foundation early ensures that students’ progress quickly and develop correct habits.

2. Instrument Exploration
Students rotate through major percussion families, gaining hands-on experience with timpani, mallet instruments (xylophone, marimba, vibraphone), drum set, accessories, and Latin percussion. This broad exposure mirrors what is expected of a professional orchestral percussionist.

3. Percussion Ensemble Rehearsal
Each class closes with an ensemble rehearsal in which students perform percussion repertoire together. Percussion ensemble experience helps develop critical skills, including active listening, score awareness, and responsiveness to a conductor.

Program Details for the 2026-2027 Season:

When: Wednesdays, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
September 16, 2026 - December 16, 2026
Where: BYSO Youth Center for Music
Who: Designed for students in grades 4–7, this class provides a structured, technique-driven experience across the full spectrum of percussion instruments, from snare drum and timpani to mallet keyboards, drum set, accessories, and Latin percussion. The session will culminate in a performance for friends and family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about the recommended playing level.
Tuition: $600
Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 15
Instructors: Brian Eisert

Questions? Contact adriansl@bu.edu.

Instructors:

Brian Eisert

Brian Eisert is an accomplished percussionist, timpanist, and drumset performer based in the Boston area, holding a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Morehead State University. He has dedicated over two decades to teaching young percussionists in the Boston Public Schools, where he has served on the faculty of the Roland Hayes School of Music at the John D. O’Bryant School since 2001.

A specialist in developing young musicians, Eisert has built a reputation for setting students up for lasting success, his percussion ensembles have earned national acclaim for their musicianship and performance excellence.

As an active performer throughout New England and the eastern United States, Eisert brings real-world artistry into the classroom. He has performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Louisville Orchestra, Lexington Symphony, Eastern Connecticut Symphony, and Vista Philharmonic, with experience spanning symphonic, opera, ballet, chamber, and contemporary repertoire. He studied with distinguished percussionists Pat Hollenbeck, Nancy Zeltsman, Frank Oddis, and Todd Parker.