Will Marinelli is a drummer/percussionist based in the Greater New York City area. Born in London, England, he was raised in Lebanon, NJ. He is a graduate of North Hunterdon High School and was a member of the New Jersey Region II and All-State Wind Ensembles. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the Ithaca College School of Music, and his Master of Music in Percussion Performance at New York University. His primary teachers have included Jonathan Haas, Simon Boyar, James Saporito, and Gordon Stout.
Will’s diverse performance career has taken him across two continents, from New York City to Salzburg. From cornerstone orchestral and operatic repertoire, classic and modern musical theatre, contemporary chamber, and even ragtime xylophone, he is at home with many different drumming and percussion styles. Notable highlights include performing Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” in the Estates Theater in Prague (where Mozart conducted the world premiere and where scenes from the film “Amadeus” were shot), recording an album with Glenn Kotche of Wilco, and accompanying a dance troupe with Philip Glass music on steel pan. He has also performed with other regional ensembles such as the Garden State Philharmonic, Richmond County Orchestra, Plainfield Symphony, as well as numerous regional musical productions.
Will is also a passionate and dedicated music educator. In addition to teaching at NJAOM, he is currently the percussion caption head for the Piscataway Township High School Marching Band. In his spare time, he also enjoys walking, cycling, playing golf, and cellular photography.