Jay Ware is an award-winning performing artist and educator whose consummate versatility has garnered the praise of musical giants such as David Baker and Eric Ewazen. His performing/recording credits include: Grammy Award nominee Donny McCaslin, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, James Carter, Jason Marsalis, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Mary Wilson and The Supremes, Emmy winner and Jazz legend David Baker, Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame member Bob Becker, Grammy Award winner Dee Stewart, Pulitzer Prize winner Gunther Schuller, Grammy Award nominees Jack Wilkins and Chuck Owen, Tony DeSare, Deana Martin, the Buselli/Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Broyhill Chamber Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Bloomington Pops Orchestra, the New York Brass Quintet, Marietta Simpson and many others. He has performed at conventions and festivals including: Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Music Festivals, Charlotte Jazz Festival, Cheraw Jazz Festival, American Bandmasters Association, CBDNA, Music Educators National Conference, Percussive Arts Society Days of Percussion, New Trier Jazz Festival, Appalachian Summer Music Festival, University of Mary Jazz Festival, as well as special appearances on various television and radio broadcasts. In 2007, he began forming and writing for his own groups which have performed throughout the nation, including residencies at various colleges/universities.
In addition to his performing/recording credits, Mr. Ware is equally active as an educator and advocate for music in school curricula. He is currently Director of Percussion/Commercial Music (Drum Set) in the School of Music at Liberty University. Mr. Ware has been on faculty at The University of South Carolina, SC State University, West Liberty University (WV), and The Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University (IN). In addition to his collegiate teaching experience, Mr. Ware held the position of Director of Bands at South Lenoir High School (NC) as well as Marching Percussion Arranger/Instructor for over 30 high schools. With over 150 performances each year, he is in high demand as a jazz and concert performing artist, guest conductor, adjudicator, and music advocate, and has offered masterclasses at universities and schools nationwide. Mr. Ware is a two-time recipient of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, is a winner of the Appalachian State University Concerto/Aria Competition, and was nominated for the prestigious Performers Certificate at Indiana University. He has served as Vice President of the West Virginia Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society and was Site Coordinator for the 2010 WV PAS Day of Percussion. Mr. Ware is an endorsing artist for Innovative Percussion, Latin Percussion, Yamaha and Remo.
