Described as an energetic and gifted performer, percussionist Lee Parham enjoys an active and varied musical career. From the private teaching studio to the concert stage, from the steel drum band to the African dance troupe, from the solo marimba to the orchestral percussion section, Mr. Parham strives to show his audiences the many varieties of percussion performance.

Mr. Parham has been a member of the percussion section of the Ft. Smith Symphony Orchestra for the past three years appearing on their CD The Music of William Grant Still and in their 2005 documentary Extreme Orchestra. Furthermore, Mr. Parham appeared as soloist with the orchestra in February 2006 with his performance of Eric Ewazen’s Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra.

Mr. Parham is Visiting Instructor of Music at Ouachita Baptist University; presently completing his Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. At OU, Mr. Parham was a sustaining member of the celebrated University of Oklahoma Percussion Orchestra; a group known for commissioning and premiering new works, helping to expand the body of literature for percussion ensembles. Mr. Parham was also a founding member of the Oklahoma Percussion Quartet – recently performing at the National Convention on Percussion Pedagogy. Mr. Parham also collaborated with the New Century Ensemble, a group specializing in works by modern composers; including a memorable performance of the music of George Crumb for the composer himself. In addition to musical performance, Mr. Parham has assisted with Internet 2 technology projects specializing in live musical collaboration between performers in different cities, and is assisting production of several recording projects.

Additionally, Mr. Parham enjoys performing “non classical” percussion. He directed the University of Oklahoma Steel Drum Band performed with the OU African Drum Ensemble under noted artist Damon Frazier. Mr. Parham’s steel band has become a favorite of percussion concerts as well as backyard picnics. His band programs fun student arrangements alongside traditional pan calypsos and virtuosic panorama compositions.

Mr. Parham resides in Arkadelphia, AR.

Please visit the OBU Percussion Studio Website