Brian Zator

Since 2001, I’ve served as Director of Percussion at East Texas A&M University, where performing and teaching is both my career and calling. I am honored to have been named a Regents Professor, the highest honor awarded by the Texas A&M University System. My journey has taken me around the world, performing at festivals and conventions across five continents and a solo marimba concerto performance at Carnegie Hall.

An active leader within the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), I am a Past President, founder of the PAS Leadership Academy, and have served on multiple committees and international competition panels. I also served as a School Board Trustee for 12 years for the Royse City Independent School District.

Under my direction, the East Texas A&M Percussion Ensemble has twice won the prestigious PAS International Percussion Ensemble Competition (2023 and 2010) and is preparing to release its third CD in 2025. Our students and alumni thrive—earning graduate teaching assistantships, winning international contests, performing in elite ensembles, and teaching from elementary through collegiate levels—all united by our shared vision: Empowering Excellence.