Allan Ward earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Classical Percussion Performance from Colorado University, Boulder where he studied with Doug Walter. Allan continued his studies at the Eastman School of Music where he earned a dual Master of Music Degree in Jazz Studies and Music Education. At Eastman he studied with Bill Dobbins, Harold Danko, Clay Jenkins, Jeff Campbell, Rich Thompson, and Chris Azzara. Additionally, Allan completed a Master of Science degree in Music Education through Syracuse University where he studied with John Coggiola.

 

Allan moved to Hawai‘i and joined the Royal Hawaiian Band as a full-time percussionist in 2012. Allan can also be heard playing in Honolulu with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra Pops, Hawai‘i Opera Theatre, and various jazz groups. He is a founding member of the Pacific Harp Project, who won the 2016 Na Hoku Hanohano award for Instrumental Album of the Year. The group features Megan Bledsoe Ward on harp, Allan Ward on drums, Noel Okimoto on vibraphone, and Jon Hawes on bass. 

 

Allan is also an accomplished educator who has been teaching in various capacities for over 20 years. Before moving to Hawai‘i, Allan taught K-8 music (elementary general music, elementary chorus, middle school band, middle school choir, and special education classes) for the Seattle Public Schools. He currently teaches private percussion lessons at ‘Iolani School in Honolulu.  Please visit his website for more information. 

 

http://www.allanwarddrums.com