ABOUT Brant Blackard
SESSION TITLE: Performance of “Until Flesh is Torn From Bone” by Brant Blackard
Dr. Brant Blackard is an active performer, educator, composer and arranger. Brant has performed internationally as a soloist and with chamber groups such as the Alla Ballena Ensemble and the Zohn Collective. His recent solo performances include performances in Guanajuato and Mexico City, Mexico. As part of the Frozen Earth Duo with Connor Stevens, he has toured extensively, performing and presenting at the Ontario PAS Day of Percussion and the Leigh Howard Stevens Marimba Seminar. Brant has also retained his love of metal drumming and continues to play regularly. For much of his work, the compositional focus has been on blending a naturalistic style of drum set playing into a more structured, composed, context. His original compositions have recently been performed at Oberlin Conservatory, Jacksonville State University, Radford University, and at the 2023 Percussive Arts Society International Convention. His works are published through MPI, Blue Aster Music, and Wildlight Publications. Brant Blackard, Connor Stevens, and William Newton are all members of the Wildlight Collective, a performing ensemble founded by Michael Calamas, William Newton, and Chris Amick which is deeply committed to exploring new possibilities within percussion. Connor Stevens is currently on faculty at Oklahoma University while William Newton is currently on faculty at Radford University. Brant, Connor, and Will all met while studying at the Eastman School of Music with Michael Burritt. Brant Blackard received his DMA and MM Degrees from the Eastman School of Music along with the prestigious Performer’s Certificate and Milton Schlesinger Prize, and he received his bachelor’s degree in Percussion Performance and Literature from the University of Central Arkansas. He is currently on faculty at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith. Brant and Connor are both endorsers and performing artists of Malletech instruments and mallets. William Newton is an educational artist for Vic Firth and Zildjian.
