David Fishlock, Principal percussionist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, grew up in Buffalo, New York, where he began playing percussion at age six. Having decided at an early age that he wanted to make music his career, David played in many different ensembles in the Buffalo area during his childhood years. While working towards his Bachelor s of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, he played with the orchestras of Cleveland, Buffalo, Akron, and Erie. After receiving his degree, David moved to Miami, Florida to play in the New World Symphony from 1988-1991, under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. In 1991, he won a position with the Cincinnati Symphony; he was appointed Associate Principal in 1997 and Principal in 2010. As well as maintaining a busy performance and teaching schedule, David takes part in an important outreach program sponsored by the Symphony which focuses on perfoming music in smaller ensembles at a wide variety of school districts around the city.

Mr. Fishlock performs on Black Swamp Percussion accessories, Pearl/Adams musical instruments, and Zildjian cymbals.

He and his wife, Catherine, live in Cincinnati where they home school their four children. His hobbies include carpentry, gardening, and raising chickens.