Nathan Daughtrey (b. 1975) earned a Bachelor Degree in Music Education (1997), a Master of Music in Percussion Performance (1999) and a Doctor of Musical Arts (2004) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Described as “fresh and imaginative,” (Percussive Notes), his band and percussion works are quickly gaining international recognition with performances at educational institutions of all levels, festivals/contests, and music conferences around the world. Many of his original works and arrangements are becoming standards in the repertoire, including “Limerick Daydreams” for percussion ensemble or symphonic band, “Shock Factor” for percussion quintet, and “Strange Dreams” for clarinet/alto saxophone and marimba.
His numerous awards include 1st Place in the 2000 Southeastern Composers’ League Philip Slates Competition for “Episodes for Solo Piano,” and 2nd and 3rd Place for his large percussion ensemble works “Limerick Daydreams” and “Adaptation,” respectively. Dr. Daughtrey also has commissions extending well into 2008. His works have been performed at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, the Percussive Arts Society International Conference, the Asian Symphonic Band Competition in Bangkok, and several Music Educators Conferences and Days of Percussion around the United States.
Dr. Daughtrey is also quite active and sought after as a solo marimba artist and clinician. With “dazzling virtuosity, [Daughtrey] plays with awesome skill, projecting emotion, power, and awe in his interpretation” (Classical Voice North Carolina). His performances have taken him across the United States, Eastern Europe, and Japan. He has appeared as featured soloist with the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, and several university orchestras across the U.S. His first CD, “Spiral Passages” was released in 2001 and featured original and transcribed works for solo marimba, as well as accompanied works. Nathan performance of McCarthy’s “WarHammer” from his CD was recently featured on National Public Radio’s All Song Considered program. He is currently working on his second CD, “Strange Dreams,” which will feature Emma Lou Diemer’s marimba concerto, several of his own compositions, and more. Nathan is a performing artist and clinician for Yamaha Corporation and Vic Firth sticks and mallets.
All of Dr. Daughtrey’s compositions and recordings are available from C. Alan Publications.
Texas Tech University Percussion Ensemble performing my percussion quintet, "Sizzle"
Claughton Middle School (!) Percussion Ensemble performing my percussion ensemble piece "Mercury Rising" (starts about 5:20 into the performance). The first piece you will hear is "Ancient Tower Bells" by Steve Riley.
Hey Nathan!!! The performance at UNCG was amazing! I am always impressed with the virtuosity and style you display on the marimba. I liked Stomping Ground too, very cool, bluegrass marimba and vibes... clever and unique. I guess I'll be seeing you up this way next week. Have a safe trip. -Mike Dorsey
Hey, I was in the group of Junior Highers that played your marimba quartet last year. It was the cristmas one. My director was Gereg Lyons. Anyway, I just want you to know that your work is pretty sweet.
