dwight.vandevate@mvsu.edu | 662-254-3482 | WSH Rm 126

Hailed as “handsome” by his mother, Dwight Van de Vate is a percussionist with a reputation for his engaging personality that translates to his performance. Some of the quotes from his concert attendees include, “That was good,” and, “You must be tired,” which are also quotes from his mother. This can be seen through his performances in the Memphis area including recitals and shows. Other highlighted performances include The New Literature Showcase and the IPEC Showcases at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention with his Alma mater, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. During the IPEC Showcase, Dwight had the opportunity to play the world premiere of “Honeybee, 1812” by Evan Chapman. Some of his other performances include “A Wave and Waves” by Michael Pisaro at Knoxville’s Big Ears Festival.

Outside of performing, Dwight is a skilled instructor. He has recently been appointed as the Visiting Professor of Music at Mississippi Valley State University. He is also the Assistant Director of Percussion at Houston High School and the Percussion Coordinator for the Memphis Youth Symphony Program. Along with these, he instructs the Music of the Western Hemisphere course at the University of Memphis which ranges from steel band to Mexican marimba. When Dwight is not teaching, playing, or practicing, he likes to spend time with his beloved and handsome cat Tucker. He also is a beginning woodworker, where he builds basic rolling storage cabinets for percussion instruments.