Phillip O’Banion is currently Assistant Professor and Director of Percussion Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia. He holds degrees, with honors, from Southern Methodist University, the University of Colorado – Boulder, and the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple. As artistic director of the percussion program, he has assembled a faculty roster of percussive teaching artists that include some of the most recognized performers and pedagogues in the country. The percussion program draws students from across the United States and abroad. 

O’Banion often performs with the Philadelphia Orchestra and other symphony orchestras, plays for theater companies and ensembles such as Network for New Music, and has appeared as performer and conductor on chamber music programs presented by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. He remains active as a recitalist and clinician, both nationally and internationally. O’Banion is frequently engaged as soloist with orchestras, wind ensembles, choruses, and percussion groups.

Since 2011, O’Banion has commissioned and premiered over two dozen new works. Several of these works are dedicated to him and his ensembles. Mr. O’Banion has recently collaborated with composers such as Marc Mellits, Alejandro Vinao, Gordon Stout, Ivan Trevino, Adam Silverman, Lane Harder, Patrick Long, Russell Hartenberger, Baljinder Sekhon, Cynthia Folio, and Bob Becker. Recent international engagements have included performances and workshops in Ontario, Canada and General Roca, Argentina, and the South American premiere of Philippe Manoury’s ‘Le Livre des Claviers’ at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires.

O’Banion’s discography includes work in the symphonic, chamber, commercial, and solo genres. These performances can be heard on the Telarc, Gasparo, Bridge, Lyrichord, Zomba, and BCM+D labels. As of 2016, his most recent releases include the premiere recording of Adam Silverman’s ‘Carbon Paper and Nitrogen Ink’ for solo marimba and wind ensemble, and his solo debut album, Digital Divide, featuring new works for percussion and electronics.

Professor O’Banion is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society, serving as co-chair of the Symphonic Committee, and as Vice President for the Pennsylvania state chapter. He has appeared as clinician, conductor of the Symphonic Emeritus session, and panel moderator at PASIC 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. He has also performed at numerous ‘Days of Percussion’. O’Banion proudly endorses instruments and products made by Sabian, Pearl, Adams, Evans, Vic Firth, and Grover Pro Percussion.