Kristen Shiner McGuire is Associate Professor in Professional Practice and the Coordinator of Percussion Studies at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. She is known internationally as a marimbist, jazz vibraphonist, drummer, percussionist, singer, composer, author, and teacher. Her credits range from playing drums and singing lead vocals in rock and jazz groups to performing with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, RPO Marimba Band, Maelstrom Percussion Ensemble, the New Japan Philharmonic, the Pan Gaia Steel Band, and for artists such as Johnny Mathis and Liz Callaway.

Kristen is the author of Mallet Percussion Workout: A Methods Companion Book for All from Beginners to Professionals (Alfred Pub). Her marimba compositions include Juniper, Two By Two, and The Wish (Kendor), Colors of Earth and Sea and Three Pieces for Bass Clarinet and Marimba (Media Press). She has recorded two movements from the latter – Gotta Gig(ue) and Epilogue on Forty-One Seconds, the debut album of her chamber group, The Rita Collective. Percussion ensemble pieces include Celestial Welcome (Alfred), Re Action (Kendor) and drum set quartet ‘Dis Is How Her Songo. Kristen’s first publication, Declaration, Song and Dance for solo timpani (Ludwig) is now standard repertoire for recitals.

“KSM”, as her students call her, is currently a performer with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the RPO Marimba Band, and The Rita Collective. Kristen has recorded with the RPO, Maelstrom Percussion Ensemble, Paul Hofmann, Dave McGrath, Lisa Bigwood and Linda Foster, among others, and may be heard on her own jazz album, Kristen Sings and Plays and Rings, as the drummer, singer, and mallet percussionist. The album can be downloaded here.

Kristen has served on the Board of Directors for the Percussive Arts Society and won the Outstanding Chapter President Award in 1993. She served as the New York State Chapter President from 1990-1999. She is the recipient of an Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from Nazareth College as well as a Faculty Innovation Grant to record her first solo album. Kristen holds a Masters Degree in Percussion Performance and a Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School of Music and has studied marimba in Japan with virtuoso Keiko Abe.

Kristen is proud to be a long-time clinician for Mike Balter Mallets, as well as for Sabian Cymbals and Regal Tip Calato Sticks and Brushes.

Website: www.kristenshinermcguire.com

Website: www.KristenShinerMcGuire.com