Percussion has been an integral part of Cherri Chen’s identity for as long as she can remember. Beginning her musical journey at the age of four, music became a constant and central presence in her life. Her feet barely able to reach the floor, Cherri started her foundation in drumset, learning the basics for seven years before her family moved and needed to find an instructor closer to their new home. Her new teacher introduced her to classical percussion and she has been enamored with the incredibly colorful and versatile art form ever since. Her passion for percussion led her to work with several renowned conductors during her time in Miami, including Robert Carnochan, Gerard Schwarz, and Robert Kapilow. As the principal percussionist of the Frost Wind Ensemble from 2023-2024, Cherri not only showcased her technical skills but also her leadership in ensemble settings. 

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She has also been instrumental in premiering dozens of new music works, collaborating closely with composers, and advocating for the importance of composer-performer partnerships, particularly in contemporary and chamber music settings. Composers and performers are absolute experts in their respective fields. Cherri believes that in depth communication between the two provides the perfect ground for new ideas to bloom and in return for unique concepts and writing to blossom.

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In addition to her musical endeavors, Cherri is a dedicated supporter of feminism within the percussion community. In 2021, she produced and directed a performative documentary titled “We Are Women,” which highlighted the artistic strength and resilience of female percussionists, aiming to inspire a new generation of women in the field. These aspirations relate closely to her passion for education. During the summers, she dedicates her time to teaching young musicians, nurturing their enthusiasm for percussion and guiding them in their musical growth. Teaching for Cherri is how she gives back to the community that raised her, and she aims to provide positive educational experiences in hopes that the future generations will grow to become the next leaders of the field.

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Cherri graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Frost School of Music, where she studied with Svetoslav Stoyanov, Joseph Petrasek, and Eduardo Leandro. She is now pursuing her Master’s of Music degree at the Peabody Institute, studying under the tutelage of Ian Rosenbaum, Jeff Stern, and Jisu Jung.