About Michael

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Michael J. Calamas is a percussionist, composer, and educator. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of South Carolina in 2021, studying percussion under Dr. Scott Herring and independently studying composition under Dr. John Fitz Rogers. 

Following his undergraduate studies, Michael was appointed Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion full time at Irmo High School International School for the Arts, a magnet school right outside of Columbia. He resided in this position between August 2022 and May 2024 before deciding to continue his education. He is now a graduate student under Dr. Herring at the University of South Carolina where he is pursuing his masters degree in percussion, along with performing as a member of The Collective, a contemporary chamber ensemble under the direction of renowned cellist Claire Bryant. 

As a composer, Michael has contributed to the percussion repertoire with pieces like "æther 6," premiered at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in 2021 durings USC's IPEC Performance, along with works like "Nhiyr," "Mechanisms," and "Ego Death," which blend electronic elements. His compositions have also made an impact in the competitive marching band scene, assisting show designers with his battery and front ensemble writing.

In late 2020, Michael co-founded Wildlight Publications, a music publishing company dedicated to promoting innovation and diversity in music. He is also a founding member of The Wildlight Collective, a percussion ensemble focused on presenting new chamber works from a variety of emerging composers. Alongside these two entities, Michael works in video and audio production under the name "HumLux" alongside colleague Chris Amick. They primarily specialize in videography for percussion ensembles across the US. You can view Michael's work here.

Michael now currently serves as the Director of Social Media for the Aiken Symphony Orchestra in Aiken, SC.