Fred Morgan has been a member of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra as the second
percussionist since October, 2012. He also performs as the principal timpanist of the
Duluth Superior Symphony since 2008. Fred’s further professional experience includes
performing timpani and percussion at the Detroit Symphony, St. Paul Chamber
Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera’s Merola program, Hong
Kong Philharmonic, and Tucson Chamber Artists to name a few.
Fred received his Bachelor’s degree in percussion performance under the study of Jack
van Geem at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and received his Master’s degree
at the New England Conservatory under the tutelage of Will Hudgins. After the
completion of his graduate study, he returned to his hometown San Francisco to study
timpani performance further with David Herbert. His other instructors have been James
Lee Wyatt, and a jazz artist Alan Hall.
In 2003, Fred won the first prize in the Young Artist Competition at the Oakland East
Bay Symphony, and as a winner he performed William Kraft’s Timpani Concerto with
the orchestra. He was also a member of the San Francisco Youth Orchestra from 1997-
2002. In addition, Fred has participated in numerous music festivals throughout the
world, including Spoleto USA, Aspen, Schleswig-Holstein, National Repertory Orchestra
(timpani), Jeunesses Musicales, Midsummer Mozart, Bear Valley, and Mendocino.
As a San Francisco native, Fred spends most of his time between Tucson and San
Francisco. During the summer months, he enjoys his time in the bay area with his wife
and two beloved cats.