The Corey Cook Ensemble

While receiving little to no formal training, at twelve he joined one of Michigan's regional youth concert orchestras, performing on various sectional instruments such as the snare drum, bass drum, timpani, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals, and triangle.

Later, after intensive self-study of snare drum rudiments, Corey joined a Michigan jazz combo and was able to obtain an early virtuosity of brushes seldom achieved by his peers. His single-stroke roll was particularly sought-after.

Corey's first professional job a a percussionist came at age seventeen when he was paid as a snare-drummer to perform for a concert band in upper Michigan, mainly performing John Phillip Sousa-style marches and concert pieces. He also performed with many non-paying bands around the state of Michigan, such as with bands in celebratory events such as in parades and in state band festivals.

In 2009, Corey's credentials include conducting studio sessions with some of the most sought-after musicians in the world, some being over twice his age, including Chris Crenshaw (The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), Harold Zinno, Jr. (Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett), Ganze Mueller Jonas, Mike Rivett, Peter Anderson, Paul Nedzela, Paul Odeh, Rick Stone, and Phil Palombi (Maynard Ferguson). Corey Cook has maintained membership with the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He has been invited on behalf of these organizations and others to The National Young Leaders Conference, The Global Young Leaders Conference, the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) Delegation on Diplomacy and International Relations, the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards, and The Presidential Inauguration.

Corey was initially mentored by booking agent Ashwood Kavanna, whose clients have included Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and many others.

Corey has also collaborated with alumni of world-renowned & historic ensembles such as The JALC, Jon Faddis, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich, & Woody Herman Orchestras.

Corey Cook is a leading force among the new generation of young jazz musicians.

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