Bill Linwood studied with renowned percussionist George Gaber at Indiana University and continued his studies with Cloyd Duff (Cleveland Orchestra) and Kurt-Hans Goedicke (London Symphony Orchestra).  Bill has served as Principal Timpani with the Victoria Symphony since 1982 and has been the Percussion Instructor at the University of Victoria since 2000.  Highlights with the University of Victoria Percussion Ensemble include the Canadian Premiere of George Antheil’s Ballet Mécanique (original version 1924), a program dedicated entirely to the music of Edgard Varèse and a collaborative concert with Montreal’s Quasar Quartet.  Bill continues to offer masterclasses and clinics for professionals, students and educators across Canada, has contributed to several journals including a series of articles for the Canadian Band Journal and is currently the percussion instructor at Powell River’s Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy.  Bill is also the Artistic Director of the acclaimed Canadian new music ensemble, Aventa with which he has led the North American premiere of Pierre Boulez’s Dérive II, the Danish premiere of Norwegian Rolf Wallin’s Appearances and the US premiere of Poul Ruders’ Abysm in New York City.  In recognition of his dedication and commitment to Canadian music, Bill was named a CMC Ambassador as part of the Canadian Music Centre’s 50^th anniversary.