Jauvon Gilliam was named principal timpanist of the National Symphony Orchestra in 2009.

Since 2011, Jauvon regularly performs as guest principal timpanist of the Budapest Festival Orchestra. He is also timpanist of the All-Star Orchestra, a made-for-PBS group comprised of players from orchestras across the United States.

Jauvon has previously performed with The Cleveland Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Detroit Symphony and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, as well as the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. He was also timpanist of the Bear Valley Music Festival for three seasons.

Prior to his NSO appointment, Jauvon was timpanist of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for seven years. While in Winnipeg, he was also timpanist of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and, for a time, played drum set for the WSO pops series.

As an educator, Jauvon has taught clinics at universities and institutions across Canada and the United States, including the Interlochen Arts Academy, New World Symphony and at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. He is currently Co-Director of Percussion Studies/Artist-in-Residence at the University of Maryland, co-founder of the annual Washburgh Timpani Seminar and is a timpani coach for the National Youth Orchestra of the USA.

 

A native of Gary, Indiana, Jauvon began his musical career playing piano, winning his first national competition at age 11.  He received a full scholarship in piano performance to attend Butler University, but later changed to full-time percussion study. He graduated with honors with a degree in Arts Administration and then continued his graduate studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music.  Jauvon received an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater in 2014.

National Symphony Orchestra: Shakespeare at the Symphony: From Tchaikovsky to Elgar
Thu. Sep 29, 2016, 7:00 PM - Sat. Oct 1, 2016, 8:00 PM


National Symphony Orchestra: Emanuel Ax plays Beethoven / Shakespeare at the Symphony
Thu. Oct 6, 2016, 7:00 PM - Sat. Oct 8, 2016, 8:00 PM


NSO Pops: Cirque de la Symphonie: Halloween Extravaganza
Thu. Oct 13, 2016, 7:00 PM - Sun. Oct 16, 2016, 2:00 PM


National Symphony Orchestra: Benedetti plays Marsalis / Tchaikovsky's "Polish" Symphony
Thu. Oct 27, 2016, 7:00 PM - Sat. Oct 29, 2016, 8:00 PM


Sixth & I presents: The Kennedy Center Chamber Players in an all-Beethoven Program
Sun. Oct 30, 2016, 7:00 PM

1. What university or conservatory did you attend?

Butler University/Cleveland Institute of Music

a. Was it for music?

Butler, no. CIM, yes.

2. What is your favorite piece (or pieces) to play in the orchestra?

The one I'm playing at any given moment.

3. Do you have a pre-concert ritual or routine?

Yes. I get to the hall early to check the humidity, adjust accordingly and clear my timpani heads every evening before a concert.

4. Describe your favorite NSO moment:

When Jim Hewitt, the Personnel Manager, offered me the job.

5. What are three songs or pieces you love to listen to?

Ravel Piano Concerto in G major, 2^nd movement; Ravel Mother Goose; Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet

6. Did you grow up in a musical household?

No

7. What did you want to be growing up?

Never really thought about it.

a. When did you know you wanted to be a professional classical musician?

My senior year at Butler.

8. What is your favorite thing about living in the DC area?

The park-like atmosphere, all of the free cultural activities and NFL RedZone (they didn't have it in my previous city).

9. Where is your favorite DC hangout?

District Commons and Mandu!

10. Do you have any pets?

Yes!  Manny, a Tibetan Terrier.

11. What is your favorite way to spend your free time?

Either at home in my loft relaxing or out with my boys.

12. Favorite movie:

Coming to America

13. Favorite sports team:

GO COLTS! GO BUTLER BULLDOGS!

14. Name one thing people would be surprised to know about you.

My degree isn't in music; it's in Arts Administration.

Website - Capitol Percussion
Capitol Percussion