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Galen Lemmon has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area percussion scene for over five decades. He recently retired from his role as Director of Percussion Studies at San José State University, his alma mater, where he mentored generations of percussionists until 2021. A fixture in the orchestral world, Galen began his professional career at age 19 with the San José Symphony. He is now in his 52nd year as a percussionist and 48th year as Principal Percussionist with Symphony San Jose.
For over 20 years, Galen was also a prominent member of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, collaborating with renowned conductors like Marin Alsop, soloists including Evelyn Glennie, and composers such as Philip Glass and John Adams. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Cabrillo Festival Hall of Fame upon his retirement in 2024.
Beyond the concert hall, Galen maintains a thriving private teaching studio and directs a successful Pre-University Percussion Group, which he founded after stepping away from the U Music program. The group includes students aged 7 to 18 and offers six structured group classes. A respected soloist and recording artist, Galen’s performances can be heard on major video game soundtracks—including Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Gran Turismo—recorded at Skywalker Ranch. His dedication to performance and education continues to inspire the next generation of percussionists across Northern California and beyond.