Ian Kerr will join the University of Oregon percussion faculty in the fall of 2021. He previously held teaching positions at Pacific University, George Fox University and Portland State University where he taught percussion, music theory and music history.

 

As an active orchestral musician, Ian has been Principal Timpanist of the Eugene Symphony since the 2013-14 season, serves as Principal Percussionist/Timpanist of the Oregon Mozart Players and is a frequent substitute with the Oregon Symphony performing as percussionist and Principal Timpanist. Participation in summer music festivals include Oregon Coast Music Festival, Sunriver Music Festival, Astoria Music Festival and the Oregon Bach Festival where he has served as Principal Timpanist. His orchestral experience includes collaboration with many top conductors and soloists such as Marin Alsop, Giancarlo Guerrero, Jeff Tyzik, Carlos Kalmar, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax, Andre Watts, Branford Marsalis, Inon Barnatan, Jeffery Kahane and Renee Fleming.

 

In addition to his symphonic orchestral work, Ian has performed in the popular music idiom sharing the stage with such stars as Smokey Robinson, Styx, Clay Aiken, Judy Collins, Boyz II Men, Pink Martini, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. 

 

An advocate of contemporary music, Ian has formed partnerships with leading composers and ensembles across the country.  In 2007 Ian performed as a soloist for the International Robert Helps Festival and Composition Competition, premiering the winning composition at New York City’s Merkin Hall as part of the festival. Notable composers Ian has collaborated with include Augusta Read Thomas, David Del Tredici, Christopher Rouse, Stuart Saunders Smith and Mason Bates. Contemporary music ensembles Ian has played for include New Music Tampa, Northwest New Music, McCormick Percussion Ensemble and 45th Parallel Universe.

 

Ian can be heard on multiple albums on the Capstone label including Marimba Concerti, Culture Samples: Flute Concerti with Percussion Orchestra, and Cross-Cultural Collisions, Reinventions, and Fertilizations: The Compositions of Michael Sidney Thomson as a member of the McCormick Percussion Ensemble.