James Orlick
Benedict College - United States
Overview
James Orlick is director of percussion studies and also teaches music composition, music theory, and form and analysis at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. He is assistant director of college bands and director of the pep band and percussion ensembles.He received his Master of Arts degree in percussion performance and composition from New York University (Manhattan, New York). His previous teachers include Jonathan Haas (percussion), Leigh Howard Stevens (marimba), She-e Wu (marimba), Dr. Dinu Ghezzo (composition), Dr. Ronald Sadoff (film scoring), Allan Kozinn, music critic for The New York Times (music criticism), and Dr. David Elliott (music psychology and music education).
Mr. Orlick orchestrated, performed, and organized music concerts for dignitaries such as the President of Zanzibar, Amani Abeid Karume, Ombeni Sefue, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the singer, James Brown’s Estate. Other national concert exposure includes live performances during the Democratic Presidential Debate for MSNBC’s Hard Ball with Chris Matthews and marimba performances in Greenwich Village, New York City, at the home of world-renowned artist/writer Patricia Kaufman and artist Ellen Zisholtz.
Mr. Orlick is percussionist with The Long Bay Symphony Orchestra in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In addition, he regularly performs recitals and clinics that showcase cutting edge and formidable percussion works, as well as presenting world premiers.
Mr. Orlick appeared in The New York Times performing in the world premier of “Odin: The Opera” by Donald Knaack and Linnett Taylor. In addition, he was featured taiko drum player for the world premier of “Sanyoungsan” (strings and 2 taiko drums) by Youngmi Ha that was performed in South Korea. Other notable performances include “The Past is in the Present” (Pulitzer Prize); and “The Charm” by Michael Udow (world’s largest timpani and chimes).
As an orchestrator, Mr. Orlick orchestrated Philip Glass’ film scores from the movie Powaqqatsi: “Serra Pelada” and “Train to Sao Paulo” and “Prelude to Endgame” that were performed in New York City and at The Aspen Music Festival.
As a composer, Mr. Orlick composed the opera “Tomorrow, I am John” by writer Helen Turley. He was commissioned to compose a work for timpani and electronics entitled “Reverie” that was premiered at The Juilliard School of Music. Mr. Orlick completed a commission from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), for a planetarium show for the Hubble Telescope Exhibition. In addition, Mr. Orlick composed multiple works for film and multimedia, symphony orchestra, wind symphony, multi-percussion, marimba, percussion ensemble, and chamber ensemble.
As an educator, Mr. Orlick is dedicated in serving and being an advocate for students who come from the lower socio-economic class. His career desires are to help facilitate learning to students with limited financial means so that they may have equal access to a high quality of music education and as a result, have the means of attending the top music programs in the country.
Mr. Orlick proudly endorses Pearl/Adams instruments and products. In addition, he is a collegiate educator for Vic Firth.