From symphony orchestras and musical theatre pits to big bands and a Marty Robbins tribute band, Dr. Rick Puzzo’s career is defined by his remarkable versatility as a percussionist and educator. He brings this diverse experience to his current position as Associate Professor of Music at Chadron State College, where he directs the percussion program. An active performer, he is a section percussionist with the Wyoming Symphony and has held principal roles with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic and Sierra Vista Symphony, performing internationally in Mexico and Brazil. His collaborative credits include performing under the direction of Marvin Hamlisch and as the drummer for jazz legends Bobby Watson and Eric Marienthal. Dr. Puzzo's teaching experience is equally broad, having instructed at the public school and collegiate levels, as well as with Drum Corps International’s Jersey Surf. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Arizona and pursued post-graduate studies with Svet Stoyanov.