Dana Kimble is an active soloist, percussionist, clinician, and educator who has appeared throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. Following a 25-year career as a percussionist with The United States Military Academy Band at West Point, New York, Kimble currently performs as Principal Percussionist with the Venice Symphony in Venice, Florida and percussionist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Kimble is a Co-Founder of The Center for Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and serves on their Board of Directors. His work on preserving the history of mallet percussion in the 20th century has been internationally recognized, along with his collection of mallet instruments, memorabilia, music, film and recorded sound, regarded as one of the most significant in the world. This collection is the foundation for The Center for Mallet Percussion Research (CMPR), whose mission is “to enrich our world through a comprehensive collection of mallet percussion instruments and related materials from around the world”. The CMPR provides access to these primary source materials through interactive technology, dynamic programming, exceptional musical performances, and educational activities that increase public understanding of the diverse world cultures linked historically to the creation, evolution, and present day use of mallet percussion instruments. The CMPR is committed to educate and inspire new generations of professionals, teachers, students and the public in the study, performance and preservation of mallet percussion heritage.
As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration for Queen Elizabeth of England, Kimble was invited to perform as guest soloist with Her Majesty’s Grenadier Guards and Irish Guards at Buckingham Palace. He was also featured on a subsequent tour with Her Majesty’s Irish Guards through southern England and with Her Majesty’s Grenadier Guards at The Royal Albert Hall. At The Royal Military School of Music, Kimble presented a series of clinics and master classes. He was also invited to perform with The Royal Military School of Music’s Band in their annual “Kneller Hall Concerts in the Park” series in West London. Kimble is the only American ever to be featured with the Royal Bands at Buckingham Palace.
Kimble has served on the Board of Directors for the Percussive Arts Society and performed at five Percussive Arts Society International Conventions (PASIC) as well as written for its journal Percussive Notes. He has appeared as soloist on the CBS-affiliate KTVT/Channel 11 promoting PASIC 2000 in Dallas, Texas.
Dana Kimble has performed and presented clinics at many leading music schools (Berklee College of Music, Eastman School of Music, Juilliard School of Music, University of North Texas), educational conferences (Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Texas Music Educators Association Convention), and percussion festivals, including numerous Percussive Arts Society Days of Percussion in the United States.
Kimble has performed in both classical and commercial settings with such artists as: Sammy Davis Jr., Johnny Mathis, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., Lou Rawls, Liberace, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, New Haven (Connecticut) Symphony Orchestra, along with and various Broadway shows and many opera productions in the New York City area. As a member of the USMA Band, Kimble performed for four United States Presidents (Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush), Vladimir Putin of Russia, Pope John Paul II, Benny Goodman, the King and Queen of Spain, the King and Queen of Sweden and has appeared on The Today Show, 60 Minutes, NBC’s Dateline as well as on documentaries on the History Channel and Discovery Channel.
Dana Kimble is an active performing artist and clinician for Pearl/Adams Percussion, Innovative Percussion and Zildjian Cymbals.