Inspirational First Americans Meet internationally renowned classical composer and pianist Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
J erod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s compositions have been commissioned by major North American orchestras, his works are performed throughout the world, he’s won an Emmy and he’s lauded in the Chickasaw Hall of Fame. But his proudest accomplishment is being a dad. In fact, following this conversation, Tate was performing with the New York Philharmonic and at Carnegie Hall, where his talented 10-year-old son joined him on stage. (Local audiences will recognize Heloha Tate as “Fritz” from the 2023 OKC Ballet production of The Nutcracker .) Raised steeped in his Chickasaw heritage in Ardmore, Okla., Jerod Tate says he grew up very cosmopolitan, surrounded by theater, ballet and classical music, as well as a family and mentors who supported his ambitions wholeheartedly. Now an American Indian classical composer and pianist who expresses his Native culture in symphonic music, ballet and opera, Tate lives his professional aspirations daily. His Emmy was earned for his work on the OETA documentary The Science of Composing , and his music was featured on the HBO series Westworld . Tate served as guest composer, conductor and pianist for San Francisco Symphony’s Currents Program and was guest composer for Metropolitan Museum of Art’s program Home with ETHEL and Friends. He was named a 2021 Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State and is a governor-appointed Creativity Ambassador for the State of Oklahoma.
Besides being a dad, Tate’s favorite gig is teaching the youth composers camp at First Americans Museum. For the past three years, Tate has worked with students to compose original pieces that are then played by professionals with the OKC Philharmonic. Tate also consulted with FAM for many years prior to the museum’s opening and, working with OKC Phil and Native musicians and singers, provided the original music for the grand opening celebration, which he calls “a total dream.” Though Tate could live anywhere in the world, he remains in Oklahoma because “Oklahoma is home.” He appreciates the artistic opportunities and beautiful tribal community in our state, and he says it’s a wonderful place to raise his son and share in the joys of parenting. “Parenting is a language that binds all of humanity together,” said Tate. “Our love for our children is universal and beautiful.” We caught up with Tate to learn how his upbringing inspired his career and his love of dad life. Has music always been a part of your life? My dad was a special district and tribal judge, who was very involved in American Indian law and politics, and also a trained classical pianist and baritone. He was ridiculously talented, and I grew up with dad singing and playing a classical repertoire. My mother was a professional choreographer and dancer. When I was 9, I began private piano lessons. Three months in, I announced I was to be a concert pianist.
18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2024
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online