Robert McCormick Receives Award

The recipients of the “Lifetime Achievement” award have demonstrated the highest ideals and professional integrity in percussion education and pedagogy with a significant history of exceptional and/or innovative teaching practices. They have strong reputations in areas such as (but not limited to) private teaching, ensemble directing, presentation of workshops, and pedagogical publications. Those awarded the PAS Lifetime Achievement in Education Award have a record of sustained contributions to the field and supportive of the philosophy and objectives of the Percussive Arts Society.

Robert McCormick is currently Professor of Music and director of the percussion program at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He served as principal percussionist/assistant timpanist with the Florida Orchestra for 20 seasons. He is a former member of the Harry Partch Ensemble and often performs with high profile artists of all genres. In 2010, he conducted the premiere performance of Chan Hae Lee’s Korean folk opera Simcheongga at the National Center of Performing Arts in Seoul. In March 2014 Robert performed the world premiere of Baljinder Sekhon’s Double Percussion Concerto at Carnegie Hall with percussionist Lee Hinkle. His recordings with the McCormick Percussion Group and the McCormick Duo have achieved high critical acclaim from composers and scholars in leading journals. Robert is the host of the McCormick Marimba Festival which attracts university marimba ensembles and performers from around the world each year. Robert was the 2006 recipient of the Florida Music Educator of the Year Award; the 2007 Grand Prize in the Keystone Percussion Composition Award, and the 2010 Jerome Krivanek University Distinguished Teacher Award. He has also received several Global Music Awards for his CD recordings, many published on the Ravello label and distributed by Naxos. Bob is especially proud of the many successful alumni that he has had the honor to teach. Bob would like to express his appreciation to his former teachers Anthony Cirone and Danlee Mitchell.

CONGRATULATIONS BOB – FROM ALL OF US HERE AT GROVER PRO!