Gregory A. Lyons is an assistant professor in the Department of Music at Louisiana Tech University where he directs the percussion ensemble, teaches applied percussion, coaches the drum line, and serves as head of instrumental music education. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in percussion performance from The Ohio State University, the Master of Music degree in percussion performance from Central Michigan University, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Wheaton College Conservatory. From 2004-2007, Dr. Lyons was an assistant band director for the Webb City Public Schools (Webb City, Missouri), where he taught 6-12th grade percussion. In 2008, Dr. Lyons performed a showcase concert at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention as a member of The Ohio State University Percussion Ensemble. In 2009, he was a semi-finalist in the Southern California International Marimba Competition. He has performed with the West Shore Symphony Orchestra (Muskegon, MI), the Lansing Symphony Orchestra (Lansing, MI), and the Monroe Symphony Orchestra (Monroe, LA). Currently, he performs as principal percussionist with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra (Alexandria, Louisiana). As a chamber musician, he appears frequently across North Louisiana with Implosion Percussion Group, comprised of Dr. Mel Mobley (University of Louisiana at Monroe) and area percussionists. With Dr. Darin Olson, he forms the Olson/Lyons Duo. His primary instructors were Dr. Kathleen Kastner, Dr. Andrew Spencer, Joseph Krygier, and Dr. Susan Powell. Gregory Lyons is a proud endorser of Grover Pro Percussion, Innovative Percussion, and SABIAN cymbals.