Brian Sweigart, a native of Tampa , Florida , is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he received a degree in percussion under Paul Yancich and Richard Weiner, and in Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Prior to his studies in Cleveland, Brian attended the Interlochen Arts Academy, where he studied with Amy Lynn Barber, and received the outstanding performer award. In 1999, Brian was awarded the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Soloist Award and received a grant for a marimba. He has been a percussionist with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra and has been a soloist with the Florida Orchestra. He has taught Dalcroze Eurhythmics at the Cleveland Institute of Music Preparatory Department, and currently teaches at the Cleveland Music School Settlement and elsewhere in the Cleveland area, as well as being a free-lance percussionist.