Andy Salmon

The Woodlands High School Band

Andy Salmon is a 1998 graduate of the University of Kentucky where he received his bachelor’s degree in music education while studying with James Campbell. Mr. Salmon is in his 27th year as Percussion Director at The Woodlands High School and McCullough Junior High School.


During his tenure at the Woodlands High School, the marching band has been a consistent Bands of America Grand National Finalist and was named the 2013 BOA Grand National Champion. The Woodlands band has been a consistent Texas UIL State Finalist. 


The Woodlands High School Percussion Ensemble was selected as the 2014 Percussive Arts Society “Call for Tapes” high school champion and performed at the 2014 PAS convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Woodlands High School Wind Ensemble has performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra clinic in 2003 and 2012, where he was featured on the xylophone and drum set. Mr. Salmon was a member of 1992 Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps a front ensemble member of the 1995 DCI World Champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.


Mr. Salmon has been a clinician/conductor of the Tennessee All-State Percussion Ensemble at the 2018 PAS Tennessee Day of percussion, as well as the 2019 Kentucky All State Percussion Ensemble at the Kentucky PAS Day of Percussion. Mr. Salmon has been a solo/ensemble clinician/judge for many groups in the state of Texas. 


Mr. Salmon has music published by Tapspace Publications and is an educational endorser for Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth, Evans Drum Heads heads, and the Yamaha Corporation.

Andy
Salmon's
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Andy Salmon's
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  • Most Memorable Next-Level Performance?

    Performing in The Cavaliers’ 1995 production of The Planets with so many of my best friends on finals night remains one of my favorite performances. I had loved Gustav Holst’s The Planets ever since seventh grade, when I first heard it performed by my brother’s high school band. The piece resonated with me immediately, and years later, getting the chance to play timpani in The Cavaliers’ version felt like a dream come true. The timpani parts in this show are notoriously complex—often written for two players—and yet they are also deeply melodic. My feet never stopped moving, constantly adjusting pitches throughout the performance. Each movement of the show had its own distinct character, making it a joy to bring to life on the field. Winning DCI was simply the icing on the cake; the true reward was the music, the performance, and the unforgettable experience of sharing it with my friends.

  • What Drives Your Creativity?

    What I love most about percussion is its endless possibilities—the layers of sound, color, and texture waiting to be explored. That sense of discovery drives my own passion for music and is at the heart of my teaching. I want students to experience that same excitement, to see music not just as notes on a page but as a creative journey. By encouraging curiosity, exploration, and expression, I hope to inspire them to develop both their skills and a lifelong love for music.

  • Why Do You Choose Vic Firth?

    I love the company’s dedication to education and its commitment to sharing knowledge not just with a select few, but with players of all ages and levels. Vic Firth’s passion for fueling the creativity of both performers and educators is something I deeply connect with. I regularly use the materials on the Vic Firth website in my teaching at both McCullough Junior High School and The Woodlands High School. Their resources continually inspire me to grow as an educator and to pass that passion on to my students. What sets Vic Firth apart is the level of thought and detail in their products. They make performing exciting and enjoyable—there’s nothing quite like opening a fresh pair of Vic Firth sticks and knowing they’re designed to bring out the very best in your playing.

Andy Salmon’S GO-TO’S

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