JOhn paddie

John Paddie is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in composition at Sam Houston State University under Dr. Kyle Kindred. He is an active composer, arranger, percussionist, vocalist, and educator in the Houston, Texas area.

He graduated from the Woodlands High School as a four-time participant in the Woodlands High School Marching band and was a national finalist twice in the Bands of America Grand National competition. He served as section leader in the Sam Houston State University Bearkat Marching Band for two years. He also sang with the Statesmen Chorus competing in the Barbershop Harmony Society competitions. He is a regular member of the HITS Theatre orchestra on drum set and plays in the Houston-based rock-fusion band Zero Detail on drums and backup vocals. He performs on auxiliary percussion for Joe Burlison’s Uptown Jazz in addition to arranging for that group. He performed for and has writing contributions for Jack Nelson’s americana album Let ‘er Buck and played aux percussion on Joe Burlison’s Uptown Jazz Christmas Album in 2016.

During his undergraduate work, his music was performed by marching bands in Texas as well as by indoor percussion ensembles. His saxophone quartet, Lightyears was selected for programming in the Manchester New Music Festival in 2011. He has written for and taught for scholastic marching ensembles in Texas, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Virginia. He is an active advocate for music education, music therapy, LGBT rights and equality, and mental health awareness.