About Ron Carlisle....

Ron Carlisle is by training an archaeologist and historian.  He obtained his Ph.D. in anthropology in 1985. His interest in timpani and percussion began in the 1960s, but classical music was a constant in the Carlisle household.  Ron's mother was a violinist and was concertmaster of numerous community and chamber orchestra groups in the Pittsburgh area.  Ron studied timpani and percussion with William Schneiderman, former timpanist and percussionist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.  From 1974-1986 Ron was timpanist of the McKeesport Symphony Orchestra near Pittsburgh.  He began making his own timpani sticks over 30 years ago and eventually developed Carlisle Percussion Products in response to requests by friends and musical colleagues for high-quality, custom-made timpani sticks.  Over the years, Ron has crafted custom sticks for many professionals now playing all over the world.  He brings the same attention and care to making sticks for student performers.

Ron both makes and covers all his sticks himself.   The  current Carlisle Percussion Products line now includes bass drum and tam-tam sticks as well as a timpani stick case.  Ron also collects and refurbishes or reconstructs antique timpani and does historical research on the instrument.