معرفی
Aaron Villarreal serves as Adjunct Faculty in the School of Music at Millikin University while concurrently holding the Barbara and David Jacobs Fellowship at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. His institutional roles include teaching percussion at Millikin, directing the Millikin Chamber Percussion Ensemble II, Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra Percussion Ensemble, and Millikin Community Percussion Ensemble, alongside serving as Faculty Percussion Instructor for the Millikin Community Arts Academy and acting Principal Timpanist for the Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra.
His academic credentials feature a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in percussion performance from Millikin University and a Master of Music (M.M.) in percussion performance from Northwestern University.
Specializing in percussion performance, Villarreal focuses on timpani techniques, contemporary ensemble works, and chamber music repertoire. His research-practice integration manifests through premieres like Aeryn Santillan’s recover at the 2022 PAS Illinois Percussion Day Showcase Concert, participation in the Everybody Hits! consortium, and active commissioning of new musical works that expand percussion literature.
His distinguished recognition includes:
- Presser Scholarship
- Percussion Achievement Award (Millikin University)
- Three Downbeat Students Music Awards
- Pi Kappa Lambda Outstanding Senior Award (Millikin University)
As a performing artist, he maintains an active orchestral career having served as Associate Timpanist for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and performed with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, Decatur Municipal Band, and Cardinal Stage Company. His community engagement extends through youth ensemble direction and community arts instruction.
