Patrick Schleker was appointed to the position of Principal Timpanist with the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops Orchestras in August 2006. Prior to his engagement in Cincinnati, Schleker earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Music degree from Cleveland State University. He also served as Principal Timpanist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago while attending school in Illinois. When not performing, he composes and arranges music for jazz ensembles, percussion ensembles, marching bands and concert:nova. Aside from his position with the Symphony, he also performs with the Base4 Percussion Quartet, and he can be heard on the quartet’s debut album, [one].