Josh Quillen has forged a unique identity in the contemporary music world as all-around percussionist, expert steel drum (also known as the steel pan) performer (lauded as “softly sophisticated” by the New York Times), and composer. His collaborations with other composers frequently incorporate the steel drums as a core element.

A member of the acclaimed ensemble Sō Percussion since 2006, Josh has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Lincoln Center Festival, Stanford Lively Arts, and dozens of other venues in the United States. In that time, Sō Percussion has toured Russia, Spain, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Scotland. He has had the opportunity to work closely with Steve Reich, Steve Mackey, Paul Lansky, David Lang, Matmos, Dan Deacon, and many others.

An avid educator, Josh is a performer-in-residence at Princeton University with Sō Percussion, as well as co-director of the Sō Percussion Summer Institute, an intensive workshop for college-aged percussionists on the campus of Princeton University. He is in his 14th year as the director of the New York University Steel Band.

Listen to Josh’s tribute to Martin Douglas aka “Dougie”:
Josh touches on:

• The importance of family and mentors

Joan Wenzel and the Dover High School Steelband

The Ohio State Marching Band

Larry Snider and the University of Akron Steelband

• The maestro - Len “Boogsie” Sharpe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve7MbtNh25g

https://www.discogs.com/artist/4059016-Lennox-Boogsie-Sharpe

• The late, great Clifford Alexis:

https://www.pas.org/about/hall-of-fame/clifford-alexis

https://niutoday.info/2019/02/04/cliff-alexis-co-founder-of-nius-steelband-program-passes-at-82/

• Teaching, performing ensembles, community development and podcasting

NYU Steel

Sō Percussion
Learn more about Josh:

Josh Quillen

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