Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate

Submitted by board member Kris Kautzman:


Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate is a Chickasaw classical composer and pianist from Norman, Oklahoma, who expresses his native culture in symphonic music, ballet and opera. His work, which always authentically centers native peoples and cultures, has been performed around the world. I first met Jerod during his 3-year “Music Alive” residency with the South Dakota Symphony. In addition to performed commissions, his work with the SDSO included the expansion of the Lakota Music Project, where he taught composition to youth across several native communities. Jerod’s optimism and joyful energy are an inspiration, and his passion for collaboration imbues everything he creates! Here’s a recent interview on a Chickasaw news program, where he shares updates on creative projects during the pandemic (there were many!). You can also click here to listen to Chokfi’, a dynamic work for strings and percussion premiered by the Seattle Pacific University Orchestra in 2020. Want to go deeper? Check out “Ghost of the White Deer”, a gorgeous concerto for bassoon and orchestra, performed by the Dallas Symphony. Enjoy!