Robert McCormick, Director
Robert McCormick is currently a freelance musician and founder/director of the McCormick Percussion Group. He served as principal percussionist/assistant timpanist with the Florida Orchestra for 20 seasons and taught at the University of South Florida for 45 years. He is a former member of the Harry Partch Ensemble and often performs with high profile artists of all genres. In 2010, he conducted the premiere performance of Chan Hae Lee’s Korean folk opera Simcheongga at the National Center of Performing Arts in Seoul. In March 2014 Robert performed the world premiere of Baljinder Sekhon’s Double Percussion Concerto at Carnegie Hall with percussionist Lee Hinkle. His myriad recordings with the McCormick Percussion Group, McCormick Duo and others continually receive the highest critical acclaim from composers and scholars. Robert was the founder/host of the annual McCormick Marimba Festival which attracted major artists from around the world. Robert was the 2006 recipient of the Florida Music Educator of the Year Award; the 2007 Grand Prize in the Keystone Percussion Composition Award, the 2010 University Distinguished Teacher Award and the 2015 Percussive Arts Society Lifetime Achievement in Education Award. He has also received several Global Music Awards for his CD recordings, many published on the Ravello label and distributed by Naxos. Bob is most proud of the many highly successful students he has had the opportunity to work with over the years.
Robert McCormick’s Work and Compositions
Method Books:
Percussion for Musicians
A compendium text with many etudes popular for college technique courses and high school percussion classes
(published by Alfred Music)
Timpani:
3 Dances for Solo Timpani
Dedicated to my long time friend Neil Grover. This melodic work is an excellent choice for college recitals and juries. Not overly technical but requires a professional level of musicality.
(published by Alfred Music)
Fanfare Variations for Solo Timpani
Often used for college recitals, juries and solo and ensemble festivals.
(published by Kendor)
2 Pieces for Unaccompanied Timpani
An opening recitative to be performed freely is followed by an allegro movement that introduces polyrhythmic skills.
(published by Studio 4)
Snare Drum:
Is Ubiquity the Opposite of Art?
A unique modern style solo that explores the timbrel qualities of a snare drum using different implements including finger cymbals, crotales etc on the head. The solo is open for your own interpretation.
Commissioned and dedicated to Ralph Sorrentino.
(published by HoneyRock Music).
Portraits of a Waltz
Deadicated to my teacher Anthony Cirone, this 3 movement work was the first prize winner of the Keystone Percussion Composition Competition.
(published by HoneyRock Music)
Agressively
Explores various sticking patterns using edge to center of the drumhead.
(published by Kendor)
Multiple Percussion:
Homage to Harry Partch
Written four toms, bells, suspended cymbals and tam-tam. Dedicated to American composer Harry Partch.
(published by Kendor).
Our CD's are available at most major internet sources. Please enjoy.
Please contact me for commissioning opportunities and thank you for perusing this new website set up by super drummer Sean Hamilton!