Our story


The Wildlight Collective, founded by Michael Calamas, William Newton, and Chris Amick, is a vibrant community of percussionists scattered across the East Coast of the United States. Members bring diverse experiences, many having earned their degrees from respected institutions such as the University of South Carolina, Florida State University, Shenandoah Conservatory, and the Eastman School of Music with some members winning University faculty and performance positions.

Going beyond the stage, The Wildlight Collective is deeply committed to exploring new possibilities within percussion. They record and commission fresh compositions, actively promoting the work of contemporary composers who enrich our repertoire with their unique voices. This commitment extends to the sister platform, Wildlight Publications, a space dedicated to nurturing the growth of new compositions and fostering a collaborative musical community.

The Wildlight Collective takes pride in our role as stewards of percussion music, honoring its roots while actively contributing to its evolution and pushing the craft.