Omar Carmenates

Omar Carmenates is currently the Associate 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.

Omar is also a versatile performer with a strong interest in performing and recording contemporary solo and chamber music. His debut solo recording, entitled The Gaia Theory, was released through Rattle Records in 2013 and he can be heard on the Cantaloupe Records release of John Luther Adams’ concertlength Inuksuit for 9-99 percussionists, a work that he both co-commissioned and directed in its United States premiere.

In addition to his duties at Furman, Omar is an avid participant in the pageantry arts and currently is the Front Ensemble Arranger for the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps. Prior to his arrival at the Cadets, he has also acted in various capacities at the Phantom Regiment, the Spirit of Atlanta, and the Boston Crusaders. Additionally, he has been the percussion arranger for high school programs across the United States including the Bands of America Grand National Champion Tarpon Springs Outdoor Performance Ensemble and is currently a WGI percussion adjudicator.

Omar is a proud endorser/artist for Grover Pro Percussion, Vic Firth, Inc. Remo Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, and Pearl Corporation/Adams Musical Instruments.