Patrick King, the Principal Timpanist with Welsh National Opera has been appointed as the new Head of Percussion at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

"Patrick is a leading light in the percussion world," Kevin Price, Director of Music told 4BR, "and his reputation as an exponent of his art in the concert hall, and in an educational environment, will enable him to guide the department and to support the future of our young musicians.

He has been passionate about outreach work since he was a student, and sees percussion as the perfect way to engage young people in musical activity."

Looking forward

In response Patrick, who has been coordinating the department for the last two years added: "As percussion is such an accessible instrument it makes the ideal starting point for creating music for beginners.

I'm really looking forward to working with the already established outreach department here.

As the National Conservatoire of Wales, it makes sense for us to use the best ways we can to inspire and engage young people — particularly those who haven't interacted with music in any way before.

I'm planning to develop our outreach even further so that students can work outside the College as ambassadors, learning how to share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to inspire young non-musicians and empowering them to do this themselves."

As the National Conservatoire of Wales, it makes sense for us to use the best ways we can to inspire and engage young people — particularly those who haven't interacted with music in any way beforePatrick King

Big bash

As an educator Patrick has tutored the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales, and this year has been invited as a guest artist at The Festival of Percussion at the Royal College of Music.

Patrick will also be leading 'The Big Bash' at the RWCMD on Saturday February 16th.