Charles Z. Kalajian
Charles Z. Kalajian has been surrounded by music since birth and always showed passion for rhythm and performance. He has grown to be known as an
exciting performer and an inspirational teacher on the full range of percussion instruments.

Charles graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Rhode Island. It was there that his skills and passion in this field flourished.
While at URI he was a member of the Symphony Orchestra, Prof. Ann Danis conductor, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Dr. Gene Pollart conductor, Percussion Ensemble, Ron Stabile conductor, and the URI Jazz B101 Big Band, Prof. Joe Parillo conductor. Charles was chosen asthe recipient of the Mary Zorabedian Fine Arts Scholarship by professors inthe music department.

In high school, Charles thrived musically in advanced orchestral and jazz
ensembles. He earned honors by receiving both the John Phillip Souza Award
and the Louis Armstrong Award for Excellence his senior year at East
Greenwich High School. During this period, he performed with the R.I
Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble, R.I Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the R.I Philharmonic Jazz Band.

Highlights of his career thus far have been the chance to perform at
Carnegie Hall in New York City with the R.I. Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble; being selected to perform in the Junior and Senior R.I All-State Festival for six years placing first chair timpani and snare 2005 and 2006; selected as Most Valuable Player of the Berklee Music Festival in the East Greenwich High School Jazz Band; and participated in the Boston University Tanglewood Institute in Lenox, Massachusetts, 2005 and 2006. While at Tanglewood,he had the opportunity to perform and study under
the direction of Prof. David Martins, Boston University, Prof. H. Robert Reynolds, University of Michigan, Tim Gennis, Principal Timpanist, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Mr. Sam Solomon, percussion instructor, Boston University.

Charles is currently performing with the American Band, Dr. Gene Pollart
conductor and can also be found playing all styles of music at local theater
companies, clubs and private functions. When he is not performing he enjoys
teaching individuals from beginners to more advanced students and watching them succeed as well as working with student groups to create percussion ensembles.