Hi everyone,
Because of the uncertainty that is the pandemic-stricken performing arts world, I have been largely silent about upcoming projects, dates, and bookings, simply because everything is so up in the air. But, now that some things are beginning to come into focus (though not nearly as many as I’d like!), I thought I would share some upcoming engagements and what’s been going on behind the scenes.
New Concertos
I’m very fortunate this season to have two new concerto premieres. The first is a full orchestral concerto by Adam Roberts, to be premiered with the New Albany Symphony Orchestra in March 2021. The sketches for this piece have already started appearing in my inbox, and I’m absolutely thrilled with how things are shaping up! The second concerto, for percussionist and chamber ensemble, will be composed by Garrett Schumann for a premiere with ÆPEX Contemporary Performance in late Spring 2021. This piece serves as the cornerstone project during my time as their Marjorie Bruce Holland Artist-in-Residence.
Metal for Pieces of Wood
A project that began 16 months ago came to an end (or rather, a new beginning) just a few days ago, as Ivan Trevino finished a brand new piece for drum set soloist with marimba quartet called Metal for Pieces of Wood. I’m wildly excited to have my own solo piece from Ivan, and infinitely grateful to the consortium members (universities and individuals) for jumping in to see it over the finish line. Ivan blended my background in metal drum set with his signature cross-genre touch, producing one of the most creative and unexpected pieces in the repertoire. Now it’s time for the fun part—learning and touring!
PASIC 2021 Daytime Showcase Concert
At the beginning of July, I was excited to learn that I will be giving a Daytime Showcase Concert at PASIC 2021 in Indianapolis. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, PASIC 2020 will be held virtually, but many of the applications were selected for 2021 and deferred for a year. I have performed at PASIC a few different times in varying capacities (solo competition, with Eastman, All-Star Ensemble), but never as a featured artist for a full solo concert. This has been a dream of mine for many years, and I can’t wait to share some incredible music with a very special audience.
Concert Artists Guild Competition
I was recently selected as a semifinalist for the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition, which is an incredible opportunity to win a management deal and begin a relationship with an agency specializing in getting young artists’ careers off the ground. The finalists will be announced in just a few weeks, and if I am lucky enough to make it to that round, the winners will be announced on October 13th. Check out my preliminary video submission here: https://youtu.be/sTRHxNUlchs.
Denison University
Another bit of news that I haven’t publicized yet: I have accepted a small role at Denison University as an Affiliated Instructor, teaching some lessons and hopefully a percussion ensemble. While the majority of this appointment won’t begin until January 2021, I will still be working at the university in a reduced capacity this semester. I am hoping to begin developing a larger percussion program at Denison, along with percussion faculty member Seth Rogers and the Chair of the Music Department, Ching-chu Hu.
Orphic Percussion EP & Videos
I spent a week in California last month recording a new EP with my quartet, Orphic Percussion, featuring exclusively new works written for us by Stefan Cwik, Shaun Tilburg, Alexis Alrich, Bryce Cannell, and Kenneth Froelich. We also shot videos for all of these pieces in Faye Spanos Hall at the University of the Pacific, with Larry Huntington, a wonderful collaborator and owner of Enterstellar Films. Our goal is a November 2020 release!
Project Percussion
And perhaps the biggest news—I’m working on a new online platform called Project Percussion, which will focus on education, commissioning, publishing, podcasting, merchandise, and community-building. While I had initially planned on a Summer 2020 release, it has become clear that this project is much larger than I thought, and will require a good deal of extra time. I am hoping that it will be ready in Fall 2020, but of course, this is still subject to change. At any rate, check out the logo that my friend Grant Furness put together for the brand. Cannot wait to get this up and running!
I hope you’re all doing well, and I appreciate the continued support. I’ve been spotty and inconsistent with my social media presence as of late (bigger fish to fry, AKA finances, career uncertainty, etc.), but I’m getting back to it more steadily. Many materials on this website will be updated soon, including my EPK, tech riders, stage plots, and more, and then Project Percussion’s development will continue. I’m hoping that within the next year, I’ll be able to completely redesign my personal site on a new platform, but Project Percussion must take priority first! This has been a challenging time, but one of continued innovation that has pushed me to reinvent and reimagine some important aspects of my career. Onward!
Cameron