Tim Genis

Tim Genis, principal timpanist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, first joined the BSO in 1993 as assistant timpanist and timpanist of the Boston Pops Orchestra. Genis was appointed Principal Timpanist of the BSO in 2003, succeeding Vic Firth’s nearly 50 year tenure in the position. With the BSO, Genis has recorded for the Sony, London Decca, and Philips labels. Prior to his appointment in Boston, Tim held positions with the Rochester Philharmonic, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Philharmonia Virtuosi, the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.

Genis attended Eastman School of Music and the Julliard School of Music, where he was the recipient of the Saul Goodman Award for outstanding timpanist. Genis is the head of the percussion department at Boston University as well the Boston University-Tanglewood Percussion Institute program at Tanglewood. As an educator, Genis has taught and mentored many percussionists that have achieved successful careers in symphony orchestras.

Genis performs on Adams Schnellar Timpani with the BSO. Genis worked closely with Adams to produce an instrument to his exacting standards. Beginning with a visit to Adams’ Thorn, Holland factory in the spring of 2011, Genis worked closely with Adams to find and refine timpani that completely fit his specific tastes. On working with Adams, Genis says that “Working with everyone at Adams has been a truly remarkable experience. They were gracious, knowledgeable, and incredibly focused on making the absolute best product for my needs. Adams is a dream come true for the professional timpanist.”

Adams Schnellar Timpani, a modern reinvention of a classic design, have proved to be the ultimate instrument for Genis. Originally a collaboration between Adams and the timpanists of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Adams Schnellar Timpani now also have an American touch to their sound. Genis’ collaboration with Adams produced the first Schnellar Timpani placement in the United States. On his new instruments, Genis says that “After playing many timpani in my career, Adams Schnellar timpani are the only drums in existence that can create the array of colors and sounds that I desire. The drums allow me to be lyrical, powerful, or delicate, depending on the demands of the repertoire. No other drums have a better connection between attack and sustain than the Schnellars.”

Genis is a active artist and clinician for Adams Musical Instruments, Pearl Drum, Vic Firth, Zildjian, and Remo.