معرفی
Dr. Cory Fica is an Assistant Professor of Music specializing in Percussion at Arkansas Tech University, within the Department of Music in the College of Arts and Humanities. He is a renowned percussionist and member of the Epoch Percussion Quartet, which has performed as concerto soloists with premier wind ensembles across the United States including the Dallas Winds, University of Texas Wind Ensemble, and others.
His educational background includes a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Miami Frost School of Music, a Master of Music from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of South Carolina. His principal teachers were Svetoslav Stoyanov, Joseph Petrasek, Dr. Thomas Burritt, Tony Edwards, and Dr. Scott Herring.
Fica's performance career spans diverse genres from classical and contemporary chamber music to Brazilian traditions and popular music. As a soloist, he has been recognized with awards including 2nd Place at the 2018 International Percussion Institute Marimba Competition and 3rd Place at the 2017 PASIC Solo Artist Competition. He is a member of the Epoch Percussion Quartet, which has premiered works by composers such as John Psathas and Viet Cuong.
His professional engagements include performances with the Nu Deco Ensemble (featuring artists like Robert Glasper and Wyclef Jean), substitute percussionist for the New World Symphony, and member of Miambloco (a Brazilian community ensemble). Additionally, he serves on the music faculty for the Georgia Governor's Honors Program.
Fica has also been an educator at Round Rock High School (2017-2021), where he taught private lessons and instructed the front ensemble for the marching band, which achieved finalist status at Bands of America championships.
Awards and Honors
- 2nd Place Winner, 2018 International Percussion Institute (IPI) Marimba Competition
- 3rd Place, 2017 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) Solo Artist Competition
As an educator, Fica has mentored high school students in percussion and marching band programs, and now guides university-level music students at Arkansas Tech University. His performance groups, including Epoch Percussion and Miambloco, serve as platforms for artistic innovation and community engagement.
