Brian Rice

Brian Rice began his orchestral career at 15, playing percussion with the Northwest Michigan Symphony. After attending Interlochen Arts Academy and heading to Oberlin Conservatory, Brian had an epiphany: There was a whole world of music beyond European classical music! Brian has since established himself as an expert on Cuban and Brazilian music, as well as other worldly genres. A few of Brian’s many performing credits include The Lion King, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Savannah Music Festival, and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. Brian has been teaching percussion for over 30 years, and has taught at universities across the U.S. and in Brazil. Currently Brian directs the Samba Ensemble and Afro-Cuban Ensemble at UC Davis. Brian’s percussion is heard on more than 70 recordings, and he regularly performs around northern California with Wake the Dead, Cascada de Flores, The Fula Brothers, and the Berkeley Choro Ensemble.