Will Snider is an emerging drummer from Cary, North Carolina. He enjoys playing a variety of styles including Jazz, Funk, Latin and Fusion. Through playing in his school band, Will developed a passion early on for jazz drumming.  His influences include jazz legends Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Sonny Greer, as well as current professional greats Kobie Watkins, Brian Blade and Ali Jackson. Will is honored to be one of two drummers selected for the award-winning Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Gregg Gelb. Last season, he was a member of the group when they won 2nd place in the nation at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival 2016 in New York City. Additionally, the band was awarded Outstanding Rhythm Section.  Will’s drumming style has developed through private study with his mentor, Kobie Watkins. Also, he has gained a deeper understanding about the nuances of the “Big Band Swing” style through mentoring sessions with jazz artists such as Sherman Irby, Ron Carter, and various members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Will is the drummer for jazz pianist Bill Stevens’ Summer Concert Series in Emerald Isle, NC. He collaborates with band leader Bill Stevens (piano/Music faculty at Santa Clara University) , Gerry Albright (bass), as well as regular guests: Chip Newton (guitar/ Elon University), Natalie Boeyink (bass/UNCW), Amy Hancock (vocalist), and Weldon Kollock (trombone). Additionally, he is a member of the local group Lyrebird, a jazz-fusion combo. Will enjoys attending the UNC Chapel Hill summer jazz camp where he has been mentored in a combo setting by Dan Davis and Juan Alamo, including classes with Jim Ketch and Stephen Anderson.

Through his dedication to percussive arts, Will has won playing spots in several honor bands including North Carolina’s High School All-Region Jazz Band, NC All-District Concert Band, and the NC Association of Independent Schools Honor Band. Also, Will has been hired to play for numerous local performances including church music programs, and for the Raleigh Fine Arts’ Elementary Choral Celebration.

Will enjoys teaching beginning percussion students and sharing his passion for drumming. He focuses on the basic technique of drum set, snare, and mallets; and will customize the learning experience to the interest and goals of the student.

Will Snider is a junior at Cary Academy in Cary, NC, where he is an active member of the band program, under the direction of Eric Grush. Will is first chair in the jazz band, and the leader of the Drum Line. After high school, Will plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies.