Dr. Cory Fica

Instructor of Music | Percussion

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Cory Fica is currently the Professor of Percussion/Instructor of Music at Arkansas Tech University. At ATU, Fica directs the ATU Percussion Ensemble, teaches applied percussion lessons, percussion methods and leads the ATU Band of Distinction Drumline.

Since joining ATU, Fica has been a featured concerto soloist numerous times with the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, performing works Mason Bates’ Sideman and Viet Cuong’s Re(new)al. Alongside ATU SWE, Fica professionally recorded Sideman in 2024. His performance can be heard on their latest album, Illustrious - now available on all digital streaming platforms. In 2026, Fica performed Re(new)al with Epoch Percussion Quartet on ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s showcase concert for the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Southwestern Division Conference.

Fica is a founding member of the Epoch Percussion Quartet. Epoch has over a dozen performances as concerti soloists with some of the premier collegiate and professional wind ensembles throughout the United States. Epoch have been featured soloists at conferences such as the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference and the American Bandmaster’s Association Convention. Epoch has performed with groups such as the Dallas Winds, University of Texas Wind Ensemble, University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Ensemble, Columbus State University Wind Ensemble, Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble and Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. In 2023, Epoch premiered the wind ensemble arrangement of Orbital by John Psathas with the Dallas Winds and The University of Texas Wind Ensemble. Tim Diovanni from The Dallas Morning News states, “The Epoch Percussion Quartet, made up of Cory Fica, Nigel Fernandez, Oni Lara, and Andrew Lynge, combined rhythmic precision with nonstop energy.”

Fica has frequently collaborated alongside colleague and flutist, Dr. Phoebe Robertson. Together, the duo has presented recitals and clinics at ATU and numerous high schools across the state. In 2026, the duo led a commission consortium for a new duo work for flute and marimba- La Berma del Viento by composer Dr. Carolina Calvache. A professional recording, produced by Christian Amonson, will be released in Summer of 2026.

Outside of his duties at ATU, Fica regularly performs as section percussionist/timpanist with Miami-based hybrid orchestra, Nu Deco Ensemble. Nu Deco Ensemble is a genre-bending orchestra that blends traditional orchestral repertoire and modern collaborations with leading songwriters and GRAMMY-winning artists. Fica has been fortunate to perform on concerts that have featured notable artists such as Robert Glasper, Wyclef Jean, Ledisi, PJ Morton, Madison Cunningham and Andrew Bird.

Prior to moving to Arkansas, Fica was a freelance performer and educator in the Austin, Texas and Miami, Florida areas where he played in a variety of ensembles that ranged from orchestral and contemporary chamber music to pop and rock. These ensembles include New World Symphony, Miamibloco, Central Texas Philharmonic (principal timpanist), among others. Since 2023, Fica has served on the music faculty for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP), where he is the director of percussion studies.

EDUCATION HISTORY

  • DMA University of Miami Frost School of Music
  • MM University of Texas at Austin
  • BM University of South Carolina

Recently Taught Courses

  • MUS 1141 - APPL MUS/PERCUSSION
  • MUS 1142 - APPL MUS/PERCUSSION
  • MUS 1551 - CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
  • MUS 2000 - APPLIED COMPETENCY
  • MUS 3142 - APPL MUS/PERCUSSION
  • MUS 3143 - APP MUS/PERCUSSION
  • MUS 4461 - PERCUSSION INSTR
  • MUS 6001 - APPLIED MUSIC: PERCUSSION

The views and opinions expressed on this profile page are those of the individual faculty/staff member and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of Arkansas Tech University. The University neither endorses nor assumes responsibility for the content provided here.