Marimba One Artists

Jordan Kamps is a percussionist from Chicago IL. He holds a Bachelors in Percussion Performance from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and a Masters from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Jordan currently teaches American Popular Music and Fundamentals of Music Theory at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In 2014 he established the school’s percussion ensemble, which he currently directs. While teaching, Jordan maintains an active performance career in Chicago. He currently plays with the Four Star Brass Band, a New Orleans style brass band; the Prime Ensemble, a mix chamber ensemble playing new music; with faculty ensembles at UIC; and has performed with various orchestras in the Chicago area.
While being an active performer and instructor, Jordan also works to commission and perform new works for percussion and mixed chamber music. Some recent new works Jordan has been a part of include works by Ivan Trevino, Marc Mellits, and an upcoming work by Kevin Bobo.

Jordan is excited to support Marimba One™ as a Premier Artist.

"I love my Marimba One™. I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I love packing up and loading all those heavy bags into my car to go play for a chamber music showcase, a friend's recital, or just at my parent's church for Christmas. I tell everyone about my marimba, even if they don't ask, and if they do ask I tell them more than they ever wanted to know about marimbas and your instrument. I may not interact with many high profile percussionists, or play as many concerts for thousands of people, but I can tell percussionists and non percussionists alike about the joy this marimba has brought to me and the people around, and I can tell them about the craftsmanship that goes into making it, and I can tell them about the importance of conservation efforts Ron and people like him are doing with rosewood."