Phillip Ruiz is an up and coming but experienced percussionist and drummer. Just like many percussionists, music runs deep in his history and family. He has stayed true to his childhood desire to ' hit the skins'. Phillip Ruiz is now making an impact in the world of percussion as a performer, clinician, and educator.



His energetic technique and skillful approach to groove has given Phillip Ruiz the invitations to perform with some of the most legendary and in demand artists of our time, including live performances with Malo, Tierra, Kenneth Crouch, Charlie Wilson, Aundrea Fimbres – Danity Kane, Little Joey y La Familia, El Chicano, Ricky Lawson, Gary Stanionis – Elements, Disney, DCI, Various Las Vegas Production companies, Sivamani, the Banda Brothers, Poncho Sanchez, Victor Pantoja, P!nk, Ozomatli, Brenton Wood, Sonora Dinamita, Stevie B, Lighter Shade of Brown, the Gap band, JJ Fad, Tamia, Down with 3, Thee Midniters, Rudy Regelado, and the Susie Hanson Orchestra.



He has traveled the world and performed in Europe, Asia, South America, Iraq, Kuwait as well as various venues across the United States, including Hawaii; as well as various television appearances.



Having a passion for drum set and percussion at an early age, Phillip Ruiz began honing his skills in grade school. He developed an educated background in the styles of rudimental and melodic percussion. As his enthusiasm for music matured, he then exposed his desire to develop his skills in the styles of military, jazz and symphonic percussion. After his collegiate studies in big band, improvisation, and concert styles at Riverside Community College and CSULA, he traveled the country performing with various World Class DCI groups.



Upon his return, Phillip was introduced to a whole new world of percussion. Having the foundation of many other styles, he ventured into Latin and World Percussion. While recognized as an animated, charismatic and energetic performer, he maintains his respect for traditional styles while developing his own contemporary identity. Phillip is well rounded as a percussionist, and displays an uncanny ability to blend into any musical environment.



Both, his peers and audiences that he has had the privilege to interact with, continue to support his mission to be recognized as one of the most influential performers to ever hit the stage!



Phillip Ruiz is currently the percussionist, drummer and vocalist for the internationally acclaimed Latin/Funk group Soto. Soto is currently working on their fifth album, scheduled to be released in December 2011.



Phillip has spent the last 15 years as an educator, with a focus on rudimental and contemporary approach to performance.



On top of all of this, Phillip finds time to teach privately, as well as maintaining his responsibility as a college student himself. Always putting his family first, he keeps music alive in his own family and teaches his children how enriching music can be when shared as a family.



Phillip Ruiz is currently performing with: Soto, Brian Stodart, and Tara Honda.