On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with composer, performer, and educator Casey Cangelosi for a conversation that moves comfortably between teaching, podcasting, composing, and the realities of building a life in the percussion world. Casey teaches at James Madison University, where he directs a busy percussion studio and constantly balances artistic ambition with the practical challenges of giving students meaningful performance opportunities.
We talk about how he approaches programming percussion ensemble, often leaning toward smaller-group repertoire that allows more students to develop chamber instincts and real musical ownership. That naturally leads into a larger discussion about education, specifically the gap that can exist between strong performance skills and deep knowledge of repertoire. Casey makes a compelling case for listening, score study, and curiosity as essential parts of becoming a complete musician.
A big part of Casey’s recent creative life has been the Percussion Podcast, where he hosted more than 300 episodes of conversations with percussionists and composers. He reflects honestly on what that project gave him, as a communicator, teacher, and community builder, as well as the real workload of producing that many episodes and the challenge of keeping conversations fresh over time.
We also spend time inside Casey’s composing process. He talks about the difference between writing for hands versus writing for humans, and how limitations, instrumentation, skill level, or context can actually unlock more interesting musical ideas. Increasingly, he’s thinking about accessibility in repertoire: writing music that still feels compelling but can reach more performers instead of only fitting one ideal player.
Toward the end, Casey shares some of the unexpected places his music has recently appeared, including projects connected to theater, dance, and visual art, from a performance context in Mannheim, to an installation tied to Ligeti’s 100 Metronomes, to a circus production in Italy using his piece Bad Touch. It’s a reminder that percussion music continues to travel in surprising directions.
Key Takeaways
- Teaching requires balancing artistry and logistics — ensemble programming often means finding ways for more students to perform meaningfully.
- Listening and score study deepen musicianship — strong playing should be paired with a deep knowledge of repertoire.
- Podcasting builds community but demands consistency — producing hundreds of episodes requires serious time and energy.
- Constraints can unlock creativity — limitations often lead to stronger compositional ideas.
- Writing for performers matters — accessible repertoire can reach more musicians without sacrificing musical depth.
- Percussion music is expanding beyond traditional venues — Casey’s work now appears in theater, visual art, and interdisciplinary projects.
- Curiosity fuels long careers — staying open to new contexts keeps creative work evolving.
Music from the Episode
- Scry - Casey Cangelosi
- Blink - Casey Cangelosi
- The Big Audition - Casey Cangelosi
- Ligeti: Symphonic Poem for 100 Metronomes - Casey Cangelosi
About the Podcast
The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast hosted by Brad Williams, featuring conversations with musicians, composers, producers, and creative thinkers about their musical journeys. Each episode explores the influences, decisions, and experiences that shape a life in music—one conversation at a time.
Connect with the Show
Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com