“Richard “JJ” Collister III (he/him/his) is a multi-faceted drummer and percussionist from Southwest Missouri. As a percussionist, he has performed with several ensembles, including the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Saint Louis Ballet, Roanoke Symphony, Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, the Massanutten Brass Band, and Gateway Percussion (WGI). Furthering his performance experiences, he has performed at professional conferences and festivals such as The Virginia Theatre Festival, Staunton Music Festival, CBDNA, MMEA, and the Percussive Arts Society International Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. He also has had the privilege of premiering works by William Averitt, Toby Twining, and Sawyer Gage.

JJ holds a Bachelors of Percussion Performance degree from Missouri State University and a Masters of Music degree in Percussion Performance from James Madison University. His principal teachers include Dr. Scott Cameron, Casey Cangelosi, and Aaron Trumbore. JJ is an alumni of both the Iota Rho Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha (MSU) and the Iota Eta Chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda (JMU).

Currently, he serves as Adjunct Instructor of the JMU Steel Band and is a Modern Dance Accompanist for the JMU School of Theatre and Dance (STAD). He also is an Adjunct Instructor of Concert and Marching Percussion for Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA.

When not performing music, JJ enjoys reading, visiting friends, and a good cup of coffee! You can follow his musical journey on social media, with the handle: @collisterpercussion!”