Sean Edwards, Percussion

Hailing from the Southside of Chicago, Sean Edwards is a percussionist whose musical journey is characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passion for rhythm. Edwards’s talent has garnered recognition on a national scale, as he has been invited to join the National Youth Orchestra multiple times, sharing the stage with renowned orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New World Symphony. He has contributed his dynamic performances as a substitute member of the world renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Kansas City Symphony. Edwards's impressive ensemble experience includes his time as a member of the Percussion Scholarship Program, where he honed his skills under the expert guidance of luminaries in the percussion world. Patricia Dash of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Douglas Waddell of the Chicago Lyric Opera, and Joshua Jones of the Grant Park Symphony all played an instrumental role in shaping his musical prowess. Among his many honors and awards, Sean stands out as a Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award winner, a Young Artist Alumni Scholarship Recipient, and a Crain Maling CSO Young Artist Finalist. His story has reached a wider national audience through his appearances on NPR's "From The Top" Radio Show. Sean's talent has transcended boundaries, as he has had the privilege of performing in world-renowned venues such as Stern Hall of Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Alice Tully Hall, New World Symphony Center, and The Pavilion at Ravinia. His exceptional command of percussion and dedication to his craft continue to inspire audiences, making him a rising star in the world of classical music. Currently, he is pursuing his studies at The Juilliard School, where he is privileged to learn from Greg Zuber, the Principal Percussionist of The Metropolitan Opera.