A percussion quartet—to those involved in some way, shape, or form in the classical music sphere, the concept of formulating a career (and an entire lifestyle) revolving around a percussion quartet doesn’t seem so crazy. 

But for the rest of the world, it’s a little less routine, and when explained, can often make people turn their heads to the side, twist up their faces and ask, “what exactly is a percussion quartet?”

David Skidmore and his ensemble mates who are all part of Grammy-winning artist-run percussion quartet known as Third Coast Percussion didn’t initially predict quite what they were getting themselves into when they formed their ensemble. But for Skidmore and his ensemble, that didn’t matter. 

“Because we decided to start a percussion quartet, we signed ourselves for a lifetime of explaining what we do to everyone we meet,” Skidmore said. 

“A lot of people understand what a string quartet is. Very few people have any idea what a percussion quartet is,” he said. “But we know what it is, and we love this genre and the music we make, so we have by necessity and through hard work become virtuosic communicators in all aspects of what we do.”

Third Coast Percussion is a Grammy-winning, artist-run quartet packed with classically trained percussionists all hailing from Chicago. Skidmore, a member of the ensemble, is also the executive director of TCP, as well as an accomplished chamber musician; successful and well-traveled soloist; cherished teacher who instructed at Peabody Conservatory for four years; and avid composer, whose works are performed nation-wide in concert halls and universities. 

Currently, however, Skidmore’s primary focus is TCP. 

As classical music enthusiasts, we likely have a slightly better understanding of a percussionist ensemble. But still, we’re left wondering about the details, the daily routines, and the ins-and-outs of Skidmore’s duties as a percussionist in Third Coast Percussion 

So, we beg the question—what exactly does someone who leads and plays in a percussion ensemble do?

The short answer—quite a lot.

“We write program notes and speak from the stage in ways that offer entry points to all audience members,” Skidmore said. 

“We design young audience’s concerts that allow every student to participate with us during the show. We commission, compose, and perform music in a way that attempts to invite people into the experience, without any previous knowledge of the repertoire — because it would be foolish of us to assume that many of any of our audience members have ever heard the music we play before we perform it for them.”

And with that huge amount of responsibility comes the obvious balance of challenge and reward, Skidmore said. Third Coast Percussion lives a healthy combination of a regulated daily life mixed in with a chaotic, hectic tour schedule, too. 

“The four of us in TCP have a pretty strict daily routine when we’re not on tour with rehearsal and other work happening in our studio in Chicago from 10 AM-6 PM every day,” Skidmore said. 

“When we’re on tour, our schedules are completely chaotic and often change the day of. I think that combo of extremely regimented and extremely mutable plays well with our unofficial band mantra: have a plan, be flexible.” 

Sure, the challenges exist with a chaotic schedule. But the rewards do, too. 

Third Coast Percussion won a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music/ Small Ensemble Performance for their album Third Coast Percussion| Steve Reich. It was their first year nominated. 

“Winning a GRAMMY felt like a big deal,” Skidmore said. “Not only because it’s something that everyone understands regardless of their interest in music, but also because it is an award given by your peers, and because it is an award given to classical, jazz, pop, blues, rap, gospel, country, and metal artists, as well as just about any other genre of music you could name. It felt great to be a part of the larger musical community—not just a classical musician, but a musician in the broader sense of the word.”

TCP, which has been widely described as energetic, remarkable, and even possessing a “palpable groove,” you can’t help but wonder where all of the inspiration for such a presence, a talent, and ensemble connection comes from. For Skidmore, it’s found in things that might seem mundane or routine. Often, he says, he can find inspiration in things he doesn’t even really like.

“I read, go to plays, see concerts, and go to museums,” Skidmore said. “All of it is extraordinarily inspiration—even, and sometimes especially, when I experience something I don’t like.”

Skidmore, who says he derives happiness from most things except compulsory socializing and dentist visits (we’re right there with you, David), is genuinely passionate about his career. The only thing he’d change? 

The option to spend more time at home with his family. 

For most, the reality of creating a successful career through their art and their passion doesn’t always come to fruition. For Skidmore, with such a specific skill set in mind, the wonder and awe of his flourishing career that’s built on his passion isn’t lost on him. 

“I slowly realized over the course of several years that it is possible to make a living playing in a percussion quartet,” he said. “(But) I’m still surprised by it when I really think about it. 

For more information about Skidmore, TCP, and details about their upcoming shows and schedule, check out the Third Coast Percussion website. 

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