Olin Edwards is an active performer and educator across the Twin Cities area. A recent graduate from the University of Minnesota, Olin studied percussion with Fernando Meza while getting his undergraduate degree in music education. Throughout his time at the U of M, Olin performed with all of the university’s top ensembles, including four years with the Pride of Minnesota Marching Band.

 

Olin serves as Chops' Development Manager. In this role, Olin supports Chops' organization-wide development goals through fundraising, grant writing, donor development and program-revenue generation. He also directs Chops' Tin Cups steel-band parade ensemble, and is the assistant director of Chops' Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band.

 

Olin also teaches South Washington County where he is the director of the Woodbury High School winter drumline and percussion ensemble, and an assistant director of the Woodbury High School marching band and SoWashCo Indoor Percussion.

 

While primarily a percussionist, Olin also enjoys playing and learning instruments outside of the percussion family. He frequently performs as a guitarist and bassist. Olin was first introduced to steel drums in 2021 as a member of the Tin Cups Steel Drum Band. In addition to his leadership roles with Chops' steel-drum bands, Olin performs with the Pan-handlers and teaches with our Pan Outreach program.