Inspired by the musical styles of the Caribbean, Paul Munzenrider has been an active performer and teacher in the state of Colorado since 2004. His musical studies began at a young age growing up in Minneapolis, where he took up percussion after learning piano. He would participate in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony as well as the very first University of Minnesota steel drum band. At Colorado State University as well as the University of Denver, his playing would grow over time into a distinct blend of styles and skills. Paul taught and performed on the marimba during his time at Colorado State and with the Rocky Mountain Youth Symphony, and worked with famed percussionists Evelyn Glennie, Bob Becker, and Anders Astrand during that time. Throughout his collegiate years he focused his percussion studies on orchestral and chamber music, percussion solo and ensemble literature, drum set, jazz vibraphone, latin percussion, and steel drum performance.
Paul would become the graduate teaching assistant at the University of Denver in 2008 and continue his studies with John Kinzie of the Colorado Symphony and Tom Miller. He was afforded the chance to study with So Percussion, steel drum composer and performer Andy Akiho, and Lamine Touré while at DU. His steel drum and percussion playing would bring him to performances at the Cherokee Ranch Summer Concert series, Denver Brass feature concerts, and to the island of Trinidad in February of 2012 to continue his study of steel drums at the birthplace of the instrument. He currently plays music throughout the Denver area, and works as a clinician and substitute teacher for the Rocky Mountain Steel Drum program in Englewood.

Paul's playing can be heard on recordings by the Denver Brass, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, Ramajay records, and Lamont Steel drum ensemble. His compositions can be purchased at www.ramajay.com.



Also, Be sure to check out Paul's Website: www.panassociation.com