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Faculty Bio

Dean Witten has been Professor of Percussion and Director of Percussion Studies since 1979. Mr. Witten has appeared nationally as a soloist and has been a member of the percussion sections of many orchestras throughout the United States. He has given the world premier performances of more than thirty works for percussion.

As a Yamaha clinician, he has been invited to perform at two Percussive Arts Society Conventions. He has hosted the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Philadelphia, has served four years on the Percussive Arts Society board of Directors, has been the percussionist with Melanie Stewart Dance Theater for the past 15 years, and is a member of MDST's Board of Directors.

Most recently, he has performed with the new York Chamber Orchestra, the New York Pops, and the Metropolitan Opera Guild and has recorded Haydn's Creation with the Pro Artis Ensemble, performing on Baroque timpani.

Equally successful in the popular music arena, Mr. Witten toured the world as a member of Frank Sinatra's Orchestra for almost eight years and has performed with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Buddy Rich Band, and the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. He has been heard in many Broadway pit orchestras, on recordings by Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr., and Celine Dion, on recent movie soundtracks, and on nationally broadcast television commercials.

856-256-4500x3546
witten@rowan.edu

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Department of Music, Wilson Hall @ Rowan University
201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
phone • 856.256.4651 / fax • 856.256.4644

Dr. Robert Rawlins, Music Department Chair, music@rowan.edu