Born in South Bend, Indiana on August 1, 1981, Ty Forquer is a freelance percussionist currently based in East Lansing, Michigan. Ty’s journey into the world of percussion began at the age of 13 when a friend convinced him to take an elective class in percussion because “we get to hit things.” Since that time, Ty has become a versatile performer, performing in such diverse university ensembles as the Percussion Ensemble, eBand (electronic instrument ensemble), Jazz Central, and Brass Band while at Central Michigan University and the Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, New Music Ensemble, and Chamber Singers at Portland State University. Outside of academic ensembles, Ty has performed as a freelance percussionist with the Portland Chamber Orchestra, Portland Gay Mens Chorus, Lewis & Clark College New Music Ensemble, Purdue University Bell Choir, and various small jazz ensembles. Ty’s experiences also include playing in pit orchestras for opera and musical theater productions, and Ty has recorded independently released albums by anathallo (auxiliary percussion and keyboards) and the Steve Lampi Band (electric bass, auxiliary percussion).
Ty has received a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance from Central Michigan University and a Master of Music degree in percussion performance from Portland State University. His primary teachers have been Tobie Wilkinson, Andrew Spencer, and Joel Bluestone. Ty is working towards a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Michigan State University where he is studying with Gwendolyn Burgett-Thrasher.
*Current profile picture entitled "having the hands" by Mark Sullivan. See more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/markvalentine/
