Sam Um, percussion (Rockville, MD), was awarded the Alice Rosner Prize from the ARD International Music Competition in 2019 and was the only participant from the United States. Sam has been part of the world premiere of the newly commissioned piece, “Drum Circles”, by the world-renowned composer, Christopher Theofanidis with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, and the world premiere of the concerto version of “Seaborne” by Garth Neustadter with the Louisville Symphony Orchestra. Upcoming engagements include performances with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and with the Grant Park Symphony. As a chamber musician, Sam is a member of The Percussion Collective. Sam has been part of the US and the China tour with The Percussion Collective. The Percussion Collective is anticipating its first European Tour, performing in world-renowned halls such as Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Musikverein in Vienna and more. Sam is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas, and the director of The University of Kansas Percussion Group. Sam is currently finishing up his doctorate degree at the Peabody Institute at the Johns Hopkins University. Sam earned his master’s degrees at the Yale School of Music and earned his bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music. Previous Yellow Barn musician (2016-2019)