Dave Tarantino

Dave is excited to join the PCMS staff this season as Communications Manager, where he manages the organization’s social media and assists with general communications. Originally from South Jersey, Dave is a staunch supporter of Philly's classical music and arts scene. He comes to PCMS with a wide range of teaching, performing, administrative, and broadcast experience.

You can hear him as a regular fill-in host on WRTI 90.1, Philadelphia’s classical and jazz radio station, and see him performing as a guest percussionist with many of the region’s orchestras; including regularly with the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra. Dave has also taught with the School District of Philadelphia, Play On Philly, Settlement Music School, and the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute. On the administrative side, he has served as Personnel Manager for both the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and Tanglewood Music Center. Before returning to the Philadelphia area in 2019, he lived in Boston for 11 years where he completed a Bachelor of Music at the New England Conservatory, and a Master of Music and Doctorate of Musical Arts from Boston University.

Dave joins PCMS after spending two seasons with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra as a member of its percussion section, performing on tours across four continents and working with some of the world’s greatest conductors and soloists. He now lives in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood with his wife, Maya, and two children. In his spare time, Dave enjoys exploring coffee shops around Philadelphia and creating videos for his YouTube channel. Check out his video about the orchestral triangle.