"For me, Black Swamp has always been part of my upbringing as a percussionist. It is one of those brands that you go to without a second thought because of the expected quality they have consistently established over the years.
My first instrument from Black Swamp was my TC2 tambourine, and it is still with me today. Playing well-made instruments like that tests your technique and challenges you to create a quality of sound that matches the quality of the instrument. Black Swamp makes me a better performer gives me the tools to be a better teacher."
Percussionist Kyle Skinner is a composer, performer, and educator currently based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
As an active performer, he has shared the stage with award-winning ensembles such as the University of North Texas Snare Ensemble, the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, and the University of Delaware Graduate Percussion Group. As a solo performer, he received first place in the Percussive Arts Society’s concert snare drum competition in 2021, and was a semi-finalist in the 2024 Modern Snare Drum Competition.
As an educator, he is currently on the Percussion staff with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps and is the Percussion and Drumline Instructor at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Prior to this, he served as the Percussion Specialist at the Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware.
He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas and his Master’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Delaware. His principal teachers include Mark Ford, Paul Rennick, Sandi Rennick, Lauren Teel, Christopher Deane, Dave Hall, Gene Koshinski, and Tim Broscious. Kyle is currently published with Tapspace Publications.