Percussion Studies faculty at Tony Awards: Joshua Samuels, Javier Diaz and James Saporito.
The NYU Steinhardt Percussion Studies faculty made a significant impact at this year’s Tony Awards, contributing to several of the season’s most acclaimed Broadway productions. Joshua Samuels holds the drums/percussion chair for Maybe Happy Ending, which earned six Tony Awards - including Best Musical. A vital part of the show’s journey for over 15 years, Samuels has been with the production since its earliest development and continues to be a major force in shaping the sound of Broadway percussion. Javier Diaz brought his unmatched talents to Buena Vista Social Club, where his work helped elevate the production’s extraordinary musical core. The onstage band, which includes Diaz, received a Special Tony Award for their contribution, and the production garnered four additional awards. It has been widely recognized as one of the most innovative and exciting shows of the year. Behind the scenes, James Saporito extended his remarkable tenure with the Tony Awards Orchestra, continuing a decades-long legacy. With unmatched experience and influence, Saporito remains a cornerstone of Broadway percussion - his work continues to reinforce his status as one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Together, Samuels, Diaz, and Saporito represent the exceptional talent and leadership of the NYU Percussion Studies faculty. Not only are they educating the future generation of performers, but they’re actively crafting the sound of Broadway today.
Also noteworthy, NYU Percussion Progam alumni continue to flourish in the Broadway world, with multiple students currently subbing Broadway’s biggest hits and holding drums and percussion chairs on national tours: Noah Hadland (BM`18), Chris Natale (MM`22), Morgan Parker (MM`22), Brandon Wong (MM`17), Abigail Rodriguez (BM`24), John Gavin (MM`18), Andrew Beall (MM`06), Matt Donello (MM`09), and more.
