As a citizen of the Chickasaw nation, Tate had a remarkable vision to bring American Indians and classical composition together as one. Without a doubt, he has been doing just that. In February the official launch of the Oklahoma Creativity Project took place with a gala event at the Science Museum, where Tate was announced Cultural Ambassador.
From an early age, Tate was saturated with music and theater from both of his parents. Charles Tate, his father, was a classically trained pianist and vocalist, and as a child Tate listened to him perform Bach and Rachmaninoff. These composers, a line of astounding teachers, including his first piano teacher Phyllis Eaton, and his parents heavily influenced Tate’s decision to be a pianist. “All of my teachers in my life have been phenomenal.” Tate’s mother, Patricia, was a professor of dance and a professional choreographer, and spent her entire career in the theater. “It was amazing to grow up around the fine arts. I just loved playing the piano,” he claims.
Born in Norman in 1968, Tate’s parents divorced when he was two. He was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his father was a lawyer for the Pueblo Indians. He graduated from high school in Laramie, Wyoming, and eventually moved to Chicago, where he started college. Tate was young when he developed his love for music – not only did he start learning how to play the piano at age eight, but also the trumpet at age ten. “My dad bought me a Bach trumpet and I played that throughout high school. When I got to college I hoped to keep up the trumpet, but I finished with playing the piano. I have wonderful memories of playing the trumpet, though. Guess you could say I was a total band jock,” he laughs.
He has dedicated a majority of his life to the development of American Indian classical composition, receiving his B.M. in Piano Performance from Northwestern University. “My undergraduate work was very difficult. I was a small town kid and went to a very large university. I felt like I had to work really hard to keep my head above water. I was around amazing pianists.” He then furthered his studies by completing his graduate work in Piano Performance and Composition at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Tate would spend every free moment at his mother’s rehearsals and performances for ballets and musicals. She commissioned music from him for her original ballet entitled Winter Moons. Winter Moons is based on American Indian stories from the Northern Plains and Rocky Mountains, and would be the first opportunity for Tate to express himself as an American Indian through fine arts. This was his first composition, and took him approximately six months to compose.
He confides, “I actually wrote it without her even knowing about it. Up until this time I never saw a relationship between being Indian and being a classical musician. They were very separate identities, and this way I feel they became the same identity.” It premiered at the University of Wyoming in 1992, and Tate subsequently performed it in 1994 and 1996 with the Colorado Ballet. “It was an unreal experience. I have a lot of flexibility. I can play in my own work and I love doing that. That’s the beauty of it.”
While attending Northwestern University as a piano major he studied with Dr. Donald J. Isaak, calling him a truly unique teacher. “He profoundly influenced the way I listened to music.” While completing his Master’s degree he studied with Dr. Donald Erb and began composing works based on traditional Chickasaw and other American Indian music.
As his musical path evolved, Tate wanted to contribute in any way possible to helping young American Indians find a voice in classical composition. He states, “In fact, I believe
American Indians have a natural ability to represent themselves musically and intelligently in the classical fine arts.”
“I see myself in good company with other composers who brought their own national flavor into classical music. Generally, when we think of different composers we identify them with a specific country. These are important national stamps that these composers have put on classical music. It’s not talked about like that very much, though.”
When asked if his vision, which has now become reality, has exceeded his expectations, he says, “As an American Indian, I want an Indian stamp on classical music. The fine arts are one of the most incredible contributions to the world. This process came from Western Europe, but it was never exclusive to anybody. It invites everyone to participate with great discipline and bring who they are into the process of fine arts. Fortunately, I have been met only with enthusiasm. At this point, I haven’t been criticized for what I am doing. I have had nothing but support”
He continues, “When I compose a piece I have to live up to the standard of the great masters. I hold myself up to a very high standard, working hard at what I do. I want to make sure my music stands the test of time. I am a real proponent of people being involved in both sports and fine arts. I think they are both really important. Physical activity is really good for the soul, and it’s great to have that combination.”
Of course, being from Oklahoma, Tate has brought his work back home, and one opportunity he was given was with the help of Dr. Matthew Mailman, the conductor of bands at OCU. “He and I are really good friends, and he asked me to come out and do a piece. Back in 2000 I got the chance to perform at the Oklahoma City Wind Philharmonic.”
Tate has retained numerous commissions, but a certain piece of work that is dear to his heart is in honor of American Indian Vets entitled Shilombisho Ittayallittook, “Worth of the Soul.” According to his website HYPERLINK "http://www.jerodtate.com" www.jerodtate.com, today American Indians can boast the highest ethnic ratio of enlisted servicemen. In fact, one out of every five American Indians is a veteran. As ironic as this may seem, it is a continued testimony of the historic and cultural significance of the Indian warrior. Tate says, “I wrote this in 2004 and I am very proud of this piece, which is the poetic journey of a young Indian about to step into his new warrior path.” The chorus is sung in the native Chickasaw language. On explaining his music, “I would say it’s very dramatic.”
Continuing his successful journey, on March 11, 2008 Tate released a CD entitled “Works by Jerod Impichaachaaha’ Tate” on Thunderbird Records. With excitement he says, “This is the first recording label that is dedicated to American Indian composers, classical composers and performers. The San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Symphony Chorus performed his work, which marked the first time a major American Symphony Orchestra and an American Indian composer have collaborated to record and release orchestral works.
“The two compositions on there I am very proud of.” The entire album is based on a traditional Chickasaw Garfish Dance Song, and the second work on the album, entitled Iholba’, includes the chorus sung entirely in the Chickasaw language. “This is the first time our language has been presented in the classical world like this,” he eagerly replies.
Tate is currently living in Longmont, Colorado, but will be relocating back to Oklahoma later this year. When asked how it feels to hold the title of our state’s Cultural Ambassador, Tate graciously responds, “I am very proud of my Oklahoma roots. I am very loyal to that, and I am honored.”
Tate is also the current Composer-in-Residence for the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy. “They teach all the major arts, and I teach composition.” He was also Composer-in-Residence for the Grand Canyon Music Festival’s Native American Composer Apprentice Program, and the American Composers Forum/Joyce Award community outreach program. All three programs provide chances for American Indian students to feature their works in public performances. He expresses, “I have taught Indian students all around the country, and I actually have a YouTube channel (JerodTate’s Channel) that comprises up to 75 compositions from my students. It’s exciting because everyone gets an opportunity to show their work to the whole world.”
When he isn’t working hard as a professional musician, what else does Tate enjoy in life? With no hesitation he explains, “Well, when I am not working I just love to hang out with my wife. She is my strength, love and support.”
