Principal Percussion
Braham Dembar was born in New York City and grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.  He began studying percussion in middle school, after having played piano and clarinet. He attended Juilliard Pre-College, where he concentrated his efforts on orchestral percussion and went on to receive a B.M. degree in performance from Boston University and a M.M. in performance from the New England Conservatory. His major teachers have included Charles Smith, Thomas Gauger, and Vic Firth, all of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Alan Abel of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Before joining the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Braham was Principal Percussionist of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.  While in Fort Wayne, Braham performed regularly as a soloist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and as an extra with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Blossom Band and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  He was also on the faculty of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne where he maintained an active teaching studio and percussion ensemble program.   While there, Braham also gave master classes, performed concertos, led a summer percussion camp, and was the drummer for the faculty jazz ensemble.

Before coming to Indiana, Braham performed regularly as an extra with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops Orchestra, was timpanist of the Handel and Haydn Society, and performed with many other orchestras in the Boston area.  He attended the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, spent two summers as a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, and participated in the Spoleto Festival in Spoleto, Italy.

Braham has recorded with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Burning River Brass, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and Hal Leonard Publishing.  Braham is married and has two children.

Percussion

Paul Berns joined the percussion section of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1969 and became its principal in 1981, a role he filled until 2007, when he chose to return to the percussion section to create the opportunity for new talent to join the orchestra and to continue on as a mentor. He also served in the dual role of Orchestra Personnel Manager from 1986 to 2002. Born in Wheeling, W.Va., Paul Berns earned a B.M.E. degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and an M.M. from the New England Conservatory of Music. His major teachers have included Cloyd Duff, Joseph Adato and Vic Firth. Before coming to Indianapolis, he performed regularly as an extra with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and played with many other orchestras in the Boston area.

Berns has been heard as soloist with the ISO on several occasions. He was the founder of the Indianapolis Jazz/Rock Ensemble, and his musical groups appear at numerous civic and social functions. He was elected to national offices within the Percussive Arts Society, was on the faculty of Butler University and currently teaches at the University of Indianapolis. The father of two children, Paul Berns has held volunteer leadership positions with their school activities and his neighborhood association. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the New World Youth Orchestra.

Mr. Berns is a Ludwig/Musser and Zildjian Artist.

Percussion/Assistant Principal Timpanist

Craig Hetrick is a native of Wilmington, Delaware and began studying drums at age eight under the direction of his father. In high school he toured Europe with the American Youth Jazz Band. He earned a B.M. degree from the University of Delaware and an M.M. from Indiana University. His major teachers have included Gerald Carlyss, George Gaber, Jim Chapin, Chris Williams and Alan Abel. Before joining the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1992, Hetrick performed and recorded with the orchestras of Baltimore, Delaware and Evansville and toured the Midwest as a drummer for Perry Como and Johnny Mathis.

Hetrick is on the faculty of Butler University and is a visiting professor at Indiana University. He has presented percussion clinics at Ball State, Butler and Indiana universities as well as the 2004 Percussive Arts Society International Convention. He serves as a section coach for the ISO’s Side by Side program and makes frequent chamber music appearances. His published composition, Tip of the Andes, has been performed throughout the United States and Europe, and he often performs with area jazz groups. Hetrick is married and the father of three daughters. When not performing, he is involved in their activities and volunteers at Conner Prairie Museum.