04/21/2022
Meet our Faculty: Percussion
Vern Griffiths is Principal Percussionist of the VSO. He has also played with Standing Wave, the Music On Main All-Star Band, Turning Point Ensemble, CBC Radio Orchestra, and can be heard on soundtracks for Disney, ABC, IMAX, NFB, EA Sports, and Dreamworks. Vern has degrees in both Commerce and Music from the University of British Columbia, and then earned his Master of Music degree in Orchestral Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. A committed educator, Vern has been teaching percussion at UBC since 1997, as well as teaching at the VSO School of Music and the VSO Institute each summer.
Michael Jarrett is a percussionist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Michael attained his bachelor’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and earned his master’s degree in orchestral performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He has performed at music festivals such as the Tanglewood Music Center, National Repertory Orchestra, and Music Academy of the West. Michael is passionate about teaching students of all different ages and levels of experience.
Aaron McDonald is Principal Timpanist of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Lake Tahoe Summerfest Orchestra. He has performed with the VSO Chamber Players, Turning Point Ensemble, Music on Main Concert Series, UBC Noon Hour Concert Series, and the Vancouver Film Orchestra. He currently teaches at the UBC School of Music and the VSO School of Music. Aaron received his Masters in Orchestra Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Music festivals he has participated in include the Music Academy of the West, Tanglewood, and the Israel International Symphony Orchestra.
Learn more about our programs and faculty on our website:
https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/the-vso-institute/the-vso-institute/
In partnership with Stingray Music
Thank you RBC Foundation for your support!
VSO School of Music Vancouver Symphony Orchestra