// Press Kit

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. 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 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 during the University of South Carolina 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. He is also a founding member of The Wildlight Collective, a professional 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.

Michael J. Calamas (he/him) is a Columbia, South Carolina–based percussionist, composer, and educator focused on chamber music, community engagement, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of South Carolina, where he studied with Dr. Scott Herring and Dr. John Fitz Rogers.

Calamas previously served as Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion at Irmo High School International School for the Arts. He then continued his studies at the University of South Carolina, completing his masters degree in percussion in May of 2026. During these studies, he performed with the USC Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and The Collective - a new music chamber ensemble focused on teaching artistry and community engagement.

As a composer, his works—including æther 6, premiered at PASIC 2021, as well as Nhiyr, Mechanisms, and Ego Death—explore the intersection of acoustic and electronic sound. His writing also extends into the marching arts, where he collaborates with designers on battery and front ensemble scores.

He is the co-founder of Wildlight Publications and a founding member of The Wildlight Collective, and works in video and audio production through HumLux.

Michael J. Calamas (he/him) is a percussionist, composer, and educator based in Columbia, South Carolina. His work centers on chamber music and the integration of acoustic and electronic sound, with compositions performed at events such as PASIC and in the marching arts activity.

He is the co-founder of Wildlight Publications and a founding member of The Wildlight Collective, and works in video and audio production through HumLux, specializing in percussion media.