Chickasaw classical music composer Jerod ‘Impichchaachaaha’ Tate is one of 31 cultural ambassadors appointed to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Tate’s appointment will take him on a monthlong, multi-country virtual tour where he will engage with international audiences through public concerts, interactive performances with local musicians, lectures and demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions and media interviews.
The endeavor is through the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad Program for the 2021- 2022 season. “As a U.S. Department of State cultural ambassador, I have the unique privilege of expanding the world’s view of modern North American Indians. Through the lens of a Chickasaw classical composer, global citizens will be able to experience Indian Country amid symphonic expression.
I cannot wait to get started,” Tate said. Tate strongly identifies with his Chickasaw culture and includes it in all of his compositions. American Music Abroad activities focus on younger and underserved audiences in countries where people have few opportunities to meet American performers and experience their music firsthand.
