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External links on this page will open in a new window INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE HISTORY AND CREDITSAfter starting out at the age of 10, on a drum kit made of cartons of carpet tile and pie-tin cymbals, Bryan Cooper has develeoped into a versatile musician, and highly sought-after drummer/percussionist. In addition to drums and percussion, he plays some rhythm guitar, electric bass, baritone horn, and a little keyboard, and can even provide background vocals.. He has performed with several rock, blues, folk and jazz ensembles, acoustic artists, marching corps, orchestras, and theatrical workshops. A veteran cover-band drummer, with stints in orchestra and musical theater, Bryan has recently crossed over to the Philadelphia/South Jersey indie circuit providing drum and percussion support for a growing number of artists rergularly appearing with Steven Paul, Cris Valkyria & Lou Paglione, The Opponents, Elise Moreau, George O'Brien, Marc Lancaster, 1st Names Only, and Paul Kurrey. He is a regular at several local "open mics", often sharing the stage with local legends David Rowan, Joe DeFeo, Larry Saklad, and Greg Sover. Bryan recently completed two eight-show runs with the Burlington County Footlighters including their production of the Tony Award winning musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", and "Baby". Bryan has also appeared with several South Jersey/Philadelphia Metro artists, sitting in with Whiskey Train, April Chimes and the Drive Thru Blues, The End, David Rowan, and the KaJAM band. In March 2010, Bryan completed a four-year stint as drummer for the South Jersey classic rock band, Friends, after playing more than 150 performances with the band dating back to from July 2006. Sitting in on drums for a few songs now and then, Coop began playing rhythm guitar and percussion with Friends in the summer of 2006, Bryan took over the duties as full-time drummer upon the departure of the band's original drummer in September of that year. He went on to get involved in promotions, setting up the band's original website, in addition to a presence on MySpace and Facebook. He also became heavily involved in booking. Between 2006 and 2009, the band's bookings increased from 16 to over 50 per year. In March 2010, Coop left Friends and has pursued a more diverse scope of performance. Bryan also volunteers with the Mount Laurel Schools Performing Arts and STEP Theater programs where he helps out with set construction, lighting, live and streaming audio, audio recording, and has played a few stints with the student orchestra on drum kit, tympani, snare drum, hand percussion, bass and rhythm guitar Recently appearing in many acoustic shows, playing cajon and hand percussion, Bryan is comfortable with various musical styles including Rock, Rock & Roll, Classic Rock, Power-Trio covers, Folk, Southern Rock, Blues, Jazz and even orchestral percussion, and he can read percussion charts. He has played in many different venues including bars, restaurants, banquet and catering facilities, theaters, indoor and outdoor concert venues and parade floats...and even backyard parties. MUSICAL CREDITS
(Return to top of page) STAGE TECH/PRODUCTION HISTORY AND CREDITSFrom the time Bryan first discovered electricity at the age of 4, learning that 110VAC will get your attention, he has played with sound, lighting, wiring, and radios. Over the years, this fascination has led to a keen interest in stage production and technology. From his first "light show", a homemade collection of floodlamps and and household dimmers, to his work today in a 700-seat state-of-the-art theater, he has taken great pride in his craft. Besides overseeing production for his former bands, Bryan has volunteered for over 15 years with the Mount Laurel Schools Performing Arts and STEP Theater programs where he helps out with set construction, lighting, live and streaming audio, audio recording, and has played a few stints with the student orchestra. These productions include top-of-the line wired and wireless audio systems, conventional and intelligent lighting, and video production. Bryan has recently been asked to join the production crew at the Burlington County Footlighters Playhouse Theater in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. Bryan also has done analog and digital recording and was producing a debut CD for his former band until his departure in March 2010. STAGE TECH/PRODUCTION CREDITS
(Return to top of page) PERSONALBryan has been married to the lovely Mary Anne for over 28 years, and has two children, Meghann and David, all of whom sing, act, and/or play the piano. In 2006 Coop “retired” from being a Volunteer Firefighter with the Mount Laurel Fire Department, after 30 years of community service, most recently completing a two-year term as Battalion Chief. In his spare time, he works for an international systems integration and IT firm. (Return to top of page) |
