Oni Lara is currently pursuing a DMA in Percussion Performance at the University of Texas at Austin where his responsibilities include teaching and arranging for the ‘Longhorn’ Drumline as well as teaching the ‘Longhorn’ Percussion Ensemble.  Oni has earned a Master’s in Percussion Performance from UT-Austin where he studied with Dr. Thomas Burritt and Tony Edwards.  Notable performances in Austin include performances with SO Percussion, the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and with the University of Texas Wind Ensemble as a concerto soloist.

In May of 2014 he graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.  While at Texas State University, he received various awards and honors that included receiving 1st place with the Texas State Snare Ensemble at the 2010 Percussive Arts Society International Convention, winning the Texas State Concerto Competition in 2012, and being a featured concerto soloist with the Texas State Symphony Orchestra.  At Texas State, Oni studied percussion under Genaro Gonzalez, drumset with legendary jazz-drummer Butch Miles, and music education with Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt. 

Oni performed and toured as a member of the Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps in 2007-2011 and with the Phantom Regiment in 2012, earning a bronze metal at the Drum Corps International Finals competition.  He also served as the snare tech for Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps during the 2014 season and as the Percussion Caption Head for Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2015-2016 seasons.  Oni has taught at numerous schools in Texas including Westlake High School, Dripping Springs High School, and Akins High School.