Cory J. High is an energetic percussion performer, educator, and composer.
Cory's performance achievements include receiving the top award at both the 2015 Great Plains International Marimba Competition and the Tennessee DOP Marimba Competition. His world premier performance of "Dark Passenger", by Andy Harnsberger was showcased on the 2014 PASIC New Literature Session. A few of his large ensemble experiences include playing with South Carolina Philharmonic, Aiken Symphony Orchestra, and Macon Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Cory has performed for, and alongside of, some of the most coveted musicians in his field. These include the 2017 Grammy Award Winning ensemble Third Coast Percussion, Eastman professor Michael Burritt, Malletech founder Leigh Howard Stevens, and 2006 Grammy Award nominees Imani Winds.
While he continues to perform established percussion works, Cory is also continuously striving to expand the repertoire. A few of his current projects include commissioning and writing works for early solo marimba, arranging percussion ensemble versions of songs by the acclaimed Punch Brothers, and exploring new pedagogical techniques through the use of Baroque Lute transcriptions.
As an educator, Cory has spent the last ten years teaching private students, coaching percussion ensembles, instructing numerous award winning marching percussion sections, and serving as both guest clinician and artist in residence at various institutions. Some of his teaching positions include the University of South Carolina, Lee University, Buchholz High School, Ooltewah High School, and his latest artist in residency at Southern Adventist University.
Cory J. High was born in 1990, and is a native of Vero Beach, Florida. He holds degrees from the University of Florida (Bachelor of Music Education and Performer's Certificate), Lee University (Master of Music), and is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of South Carolina.