GRAMMY-award winning musician Jauvon Gilliam was named principal timpanist of the National Symphony Orchestra in 2009 – the first African American principal in its history. Currently, he is also timpanist of the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra and is on the artist/faculty roster of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival.
Hailed as “note perfect” and “Zeus-like” (BBC Radio), he has performed as guest timpanist with top ensembles, including the Budapest Festival Orchestra, as well as the symphony orchestras of San Francisco, Detroit, Indianapolis, and the UK-based Chineke! Orchestra, Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center, and the PBS-based All-Star Orchestra.
Gilliam has appeared as soloist with the National, Baltimore, Las Vegas, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras and at Carnegie Hall with the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony. From 2010 to 2024, he served as Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Maryland, mentoring students now in orchestras, military bands, and teaching at universities worldwide. He has led masterclasses across five continents and taught at festivals and institutions including Aspen, Interlochen, New World, and the National Youth Orchestra of the USA.
Prior to his NSO appointment, Gilliam served as principal timpanist of the Winnipeg Symphony for 7 seasons. A native of Gary, Indiana, he began his career as a pianist and later earned his degree from Butler University. He received an honorary doctorate from Butler in 2014.
He has been covered by several national and international media outlets, including the BBC, CBC, NPR, PBS, NBC, Fox News, Billboard, the New York Times, Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, and the International Musician.
Jauvon is also the Founder and CEO of The Marcel Group, an events management and consulting firm delivering end-to-end strategy, production, and logistical support for live events. In addition, the company’s portfolio also includes full-service instrument rentals and 24/7 rehearsal facilities, helping artists and organizations own the room at every stage from preparation to performance. Grounded in an artist’s perspective, the firm serves cultural institutions, government agencies, and private clients nationwide.
He proudly endorses Yamaha musical instruments, Remo drumheads, Sabian cymbals, and has a signature line of timpani mallets by Dragonfly Percussion.