Andrew Reamer

Andrew Reamer joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra percussion section in 1989. He was appointed Associate Principal Percussion in 2003 and Principal Percussion in 2008. He retired in 2024!

Andrew was Chair of Percussion at Duquesne University for over 25 years.

Reamer plays vibes in the Concord Jazz Quartet, performing at jazz venues in and around Pittsburgh. He also spends most Sunday mornings playing percussion and timpani at his Pittsburgh church.

He has composed a popular collection of etudes for marimba entitled “Reamer’s Elixirs Two-Mallet Fixers” and is an endorser for Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and Innovative Mallets.

He carries on a drum- and stick-making tradition that can be traced to 1859, and his work and innovations in this field can be viewed at drummersservice.com. His custom drums and sticks are used by the most prestigious orchestras and universities throughout the world. And where they are not, they should be.

Reamer enjoys adventure motorcycling, camping, bicycling, kayaking and cigars. (Rocky Patel 1990 Vintage – the maroon wrapper – and Texas Lancero – with a 70-ring gauge that will last a whole hockey game!)

Also Shiner Bock. And Lagavulin 16. And Angels Envy Bourbon.