A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Torrance Buntyn, Jr., began his percussion studies at the age of 10.  Throughout his middle and high school years, he won many awards and outstanding recognitions for his performances.  He is an alumnus of the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra, where he was the principal timpanist.

Currently, Torrance is earning a Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance at Southern Methodist University–Meadows School of the Arts, studying with George Nickson (Principal Percussionist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra) and Brian Jones (Principal Timpanist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra).

Torrance attended Tennessee State University—an HBCU (Historically Black College/University)—and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, studying under Dr. Derrick Greene and Dr. Sean Daniels.  During these undergraduate years, he performed in the two-time Grammy-winning Aristocrat of Bands and toured with the TSU Wind Ensemble as principal percussionist.

He has participated in numerous seminars and festivals such as the Ted Atkatz Percussion Seminar, New York University’s Broadway Percussion Seminar, Sewanee Summer Music Festival (now known as Sewanee Music Center), and the National Orchestra Institute and Festival.  He is also an Emerging Artist alumnus of the Network of Diversity in Concert Percussion.  In addition, Torrance has held administrative positions as an Operations Intern for the Nashville Symphony and a Liaison for the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra.  He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Inc., which includes serving as the principal percussionist of the Sinfonia Winds during the 57th National Sinfonia Convention and has performed as a section percussionist with the Nashville African American Wind Symphony.

As an ABOP Protégé, Torrance is mentored by Douglas Cardwell, former Principal Timpanist of New Mexico Philharmonic and Raynor Carroll, Principal Percussionist (retired) of Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Jakalin Bryant, a Georgia native, is a graduate of Peach County High School and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance at Georgia’s Valdosta State University (VSU).  He performs as section percussionist with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra—a winner of The American Prize under the baton of Dr. Howard Hsu—and with the Wellston Winds, a community wind ensemble.

As a soloist, Jakalin has presented a recital at the University of Mississippi.  Due to his extensive performance experience, Jakalin was a recipient of the United Way’s 2022 Golden Eagle Award in the category of music.  He was featured on Macon, Georgia’s 13WMAZ-TV for his success in back-to-back auditions (2020-21) for Principal Percussionist of the GMEA All-State Honor Band.  Jakalin has performed under the batons of Richard Clary, Dr. Benjamin Harper, Colonel Timothy Holtan, and Dr. Shiree Williams.  Jakalin studies with Dr. Ryan M. Smith at VSU and has also studied with Mr. Darren Johnson and Dr. Jillian Baxter.

Jakalin’s goal is to play with a major symphony orchestra.  As an ABOP Protégé, Jakalin is mentored by Raynor Carroll, Principal Percussionist (retired), Los Angeles Philharmonic.