Omar Carmenates
Percussion Consultant
Omar Carmenates is currently the Assistant Professor of Percussion at Furman University in Greenville, SC where he oversees all aspects of the percussion program including classical, jazz, and world percussion studies. He holds a Doctor of Music degree from Florida State University, a Master of Music Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Central Florida.
Actively involved in the marching arts, Omar was the Percussion Caption Head for the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps from 2007-2010, and Percussion Arranger from 2009-2010, after serving on percussion staff since 2004. Omar’s teaching and writing credits include arrangements and original works for groups such as the Beatrix Drum and Bugle Corps from Hilversum, Holland, Timber Creek Independent Infinity Indoor Percussion, the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, the Furman University Paladin Regiment, and numerous other high school programs across the United States.
As a freelance musician, Omar is a versatile performer, having played in many groups and genres. His interest in contemporary chamber and solo music has led to commissions and collaborations with such notable composers as John Luther Adams, John Psathas, David Skidmore, Michael Gordon, Christopher Deane, and Brian Nozny. He has been a percussionist with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, the Greenville Pops Orchestra, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and the Las Colinas and Garland Symphony Orchestras. For five years, Omar was a musician at Walt Disney World holding positions such as a percussionist with the Village Beatniks in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Omar is also an active scholar/lecturer having presented research in Percussive Notes and at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
