About Tom Akins

Tom Akins was principal timpanist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1965-1991, a chair that is now endowed and named in his honor. In 1984 Akins performed the world premiere of William Kraft’s Timpani Concerto No. 1 with the ISO and later recorded it with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. He also played the work with orchestras in Washington, D.C. (Kennedy Center) and Toronto. Akins was the founder of the Sonic Boom Percussion Ensemble and guest conducted the ISO and several other orchestras on several occasions. His compositions are published by Kendor Music and Per-Mus Music, and his students hold prominent teaching and performing positions in major music centers throughout the USA. Tom is a 56-year member of PAS and has written for various PAS publications and performed as a member of the Emeritus Symphonic Section at PASICs since 2011. He has served on the PAS Symphonic Committee for two terms.