Dark Horse Percussion owner, Anthony Cartinella began studying percussion at a young age. Over the years, Anthony studied with many renowned instructors and performers in the NY Metropolitan area, such as: Russ Moy, Kevin Murphy, Terrell Smith, Pat Patrillo, Tommy Igoe, and Mark Thurston.

Anthony holds both a B.A. in Music Education and a M.A. in Education. He is the Concert Band and Musical Director at Soehl Middle School in Linden, NJ and is the Assistant Band Director and Percussion Arranger / Coordinator for the award winning Linden High School Marching Band. In addition to Anthony's full time teaching duties and Dark Horse Percussion, Anthony is also the co-owner of Studio 22 in Union, NJ. Studio 22 is a full rehearsal studio for musical groups, private lessons are taught by some of the areas finest teachers, and also is home of the Dark Horse Percussion showroom.

Over the years, Anthony has received many awards and state titles for his competitive marching percussion groups, and his percussion program is consistently in the top 3 in every year of USSBA competition. Anthony also has 10 years of Drum Corps experience in the New York Skyliners and on tour in 1996 with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps. In addition to his drum corps performance, Anthony has served as the Director of the Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps in 1999 - 2000 and was awarded the DCA "Director of the Year" award in 2000.

Anthony holds both performer and educator endorsements with

• Vic Firth
• Attack Drumheads
• Zildjian.

Anthony lives in Scotch Plains, NJ with his wife Melissa, daughter Allison, sons' Sean and Gavin, and of course their dog Buddy.