Dean Klawiter

Dean Klawiter is seventeen years old and has been playing percussion for six years. This will be his first season as a member of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. He is a senior at Lafayette High School and is participating for his fourth year in the Lafayette Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Lancer Regiment marching band, and his third year in the Lafayette Jazz Ensemble. At solo and ensemble, Klawiter has been awarded gold and silver ratings at both the district and state levels. He has also participated as a member of the Webster University Community Music School Young People’s Orchestra Percussion from 2025-2026.  

Klawiter is deeply indebted to countless figures in his life who have all contributed so much to his musical journey. This includes his outstanding band directors at Lafayette High School, Brad Balog, Kevin Lowe, and Andrew Reader, as well as his extraordinary private lessons teacher, Michael Faris. Klawiter would also like to give special thanks to his wonderful parents and loyal friends who supply him with ample support. In his free time, Klawiter likes to snowboard during the winter with his father, hang out with his friends, and transcribe or write various musical pieces. Klawiter is excited to familiarize himself with orchestral percussion for the first time as a member of the YO.