About Michael

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Michael J. Calamas (he/him) is a percussionist, composer, and educator with a passion for chamber music, community engagement, and LGBTQ+ advocacy in the arts. 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, Calamas 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, Calamas 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, Calamas co-founded Wildlight Publications, a music publishing company dedicated to promoting innovation and diversity in music. Calamas works closely with artists on the Wildlight roster, maintains the website, manages social media accounts, and is also the executive producer of the Set to Fire Podcast, available on all platforms. 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, Calamas 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 his work here.