Omar Carmenates is a versatile performer and pedagogue, having played in may groups in various genres. His interest in contemporary chamber and solo music has led to collaborations with composers and performers such as John Luther Adams, John Psathas, Eighth Blackbird, Christopher Adler, David Skidmore, and Christopher Deane. He has also premiered many works for percussion including the U.S. premieres of John Luther Adams' Inuksuit, John Psathas' Omnifenix for improvising saxophone, drum set, and orchestra, and the European premiere of Christopher Cerrone's Memory Palace for solo percussionist and live electronics. Carmenates' debut solo CD, The Gaia Theory, is being released by Rattle Records in 2013.
Additionally, Carmenates is a member of the percussion collective the nief-norf Project and hosts the nief-norf Summer Festival, which brings together dozens of percussionists, scholars, and composers in a 10-day collaboration focusing on contemporary music.
As a pedagogue, Carmenates has taught and given clinics across the United State, Europe, and Asia, and has garnered a reputation as one fo the foremost authorities in the field of marching percussion. He is currently a percussion arranger for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, and was the percussion caption head for the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps from 2007-10 and the percussion arranger from 2009-10. Carmenates is a proud endorser/artist for Vic Firth, Inc. Remo Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, and Pearl Corporation/Adams Musical Instruments.
Training
John W. Parks IV
Florida State University
Mark Ford, Christopher Deane, Ed Smith, Ed Soph, Robert Schietroma
University of North Texas
Jeffrey Moore
University of Central Florida
I seek to give students a focused but broad music education encompassing both performance and pedagogy. From Afro-Cuban rhythms and Beethoven sonatas to solo marimba and drum set, I emphasize the importance of a diverse course of study in order to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.
MUS-061 Furman Bands
MUS-071 Percussion Ensemble
MUS-220 World Music
MUS-333 Percussion Methods
MUS-550 Percussion Performance Topics
MUS-551 Applied Percussion
MUS-552 Applied Drum Set