Michael J. Calamas (he/him)

– Education –University of South CarolinaMaster of Music in PercussionColumbia, SCAugust 2024 - May 2026

University of South CarolinaBachelor of Music in Percussion Performance, cum laudeColumbia, SCAugust 2017 - May 2021
Inaugural Recipient of the Jim Hall Scholarship for Percussion

– Experience –University of South CarolinaGraduate Assistant | The CollectiveColumbia, SCAugust 2024 - Present
  • Perform as a member of The Collective, a graduate quintet dedicated to new music and community engagement
  • Coordinate with composers on new commissions
  • Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects with other departments
  • Plan and present concerts emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity in music
  • Participate in outreach programs at correctional facilities, performing for and alongside the inmates


University of South CarolinaMarketing Fellow | School of MusicColumbia, SCAugust 2024 - Present
  • Support the School of Music’s marketing and communications through social media
  • Create visual materials for both internal and external platforms, including posters, digital signage, and reels
  • Produce multi-camera video projects highlighting university ensembles and events
  • Contribute to a centralized media archive used to update website landing pages and promotional materials

Irmo High School International School for the ArtsAssistant Director of Bands | Director of PercussionColumbia, SCAugust 2022 - May 2024
  • Taught Percussive Arts, World Percussion, Piano, and SPED Adaptive Music courses for students in the 9th through 12th grade
  • Led music and visual caption rehearsals during the competitive marching band season
  • Built relationships with over 100 students and fostered an environment where students could learn in an accepting and caring space
  • Created and taught an after school percussion ensemble for middle schoolers at the feeder school
  • Collaborated closely with the performing arts department, including the directors of orchestra, chorus, and theater for several public performances and events
  • Led teacher development breakout sessions on implementing technology in the classroom

Wildlight Publications LLCCo-Founder | OperationsRemote2020 - Present
  • Co-founded and managed daily operations for a contemporary percussion publishing company, overseeing artist relations, marketing, and media production
  • Coordinate with composers and customers, manage sales data, and facilitate purchase orders and invoices for educational institutions
  • Lead marketing strategy through Meta Business Suite, create visual content for social media, and produce promotional music videos
  • Produce the company’s podcast Set to Fire, managing scheduling, recording, and post-production
  • Maintain and optimize the e-commerce site while ensuring consistent quality and brand presentation across all products