Ian Lisi is an educator and percussionist currently based on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, where he serves as the Band Director for the Oak Bluffs and Edgartown Schools. Ian also Co-directs the Martha’s Vineyard All-Island Bands and is the founder and director of the Martha’s Vineyard All-Island Percussion Ensemble.

Prior to all this, Ian began his musical journey as a 4th grader in the West Genesee School District where he learned how to hold his drumsticks and was consistently reminded to count out loud by the incredible Michael Stachnik. Once Ian figured these two things out, he fell in love with music and started playing as much as possible. Some of the groups Ian performed with were: the West Genesee Marching Band, Syracuse Youth Orchestra, New York All-State Wind Ensemble, Central New York All-Star Percussion Ensemble, and Central Winds: a Music Educator’s Wind Ensemble. Throughout this time, Ian studied with percussionist with Nicholas Baratta, who would become a great mentor and close friend.

After high school, Ian attended Ithaca College where he studied with Conrad Alexander, Gordon Stout, and Mike Truesdell. While at IC, Ian continued to perform with a variety of ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, Afro-Cuban Ensemble and Opera Pit Orchestra. He also had the privilege to frequently perform with the Cornell Symphony Orchestra and the Ithaca Community Orchestra. Also in his college career, Ian attended the Zeltsman Marimba Festival at the Boston Conservatory and the Chosen Vale International Percussion Seminar.

In addition to being a performer, Ian was an enthusiastic educator throughout his time at Ithaca. He was a drumline and front ensemble instructor with the West Genesee High School Marching Band. Ian also taught private lessons at Boynton Middle School through Ithaca College’s Junior Student Teaching Program and completed his Senior Student teaching at Fayetteville-Manlius High School.

Ian holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree from Ithaca College. He also holds a New York State Initial Teaching Certification in Music Education (K-12) and a Massachusetts Initial Teaching Certification in Music: Vocal/Instrumental/ General (K-12). He has memberships in the Percussive Arts Society, National Association for Music Education, Massachusetts Music Educators Association, and the New York State School Music Association.