Doug Downer, a native of Grand Rapids, MI, holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan and Master of Music Performance (Percussion) from the University of Northern Colorado. During his studies, he gained an array of performance experience through orchestra, percussion ensemble, and wind ensemble. He was also a member of the Americanos Drum and Bugle Corps, Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Great Lakes Percussion, NorthCoast Academy, and Detroit Pistons Drumline. Doug was awarded the Teaching Assistantship and Angie Southard Award (Excellence in Music) while at UNC. His primary teachers included Gray Barrier, Jim White, Andrew Spencer, and David Hall. 

Doug is currently serving as the Assistant Band Director at Braden River High School in Bradenton, Florida, where he teaches Percussion, Advanced Jazz, Beginning Jazz, and assists with Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Beginning Band. Doug’s last four years were spent as the Associate Director of Bands and Percussion Specialist for Skiatook Public Schools in Skiatook, OK.  The ensembles under Doug’s direction have received numerous awards and superior ratings.

An active arranger and teacher, he has written for numerous groups in the United States and South America. In 2014, Doug taught and designed for the Medellin Gran Banda, who won the first Sound Sport Championship in Indianapolis, IN. Other teaching experiences include Legends Drum & Bugle Corps , NorthCoast Academy, and Dutch Boy Drum & Bugle Corps. Doug is proud to be an Innovative Percussion Artist.