About

Samuel Bang is a composer, educator, and percussionist based out of Columbia, SC. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Composition at the University of South Carolina. He earned his MM in music composition from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and his BA in interdisciplinary music from Louisiana State University. Bang has studied composition under Dr. Man Fang, Dr. John Fitz Rogers, Dr. Chen Yi, Dr. Paul Rudy, Dr. Yotam Haber, Dr. Mata Gibson, Dr. Brian Nabors, and Dr. Brett Dietz.

During his time at LSU, Bang studied percussion under Dr. Brett Dietz, Shawn Galvin, and Troy Davis. Bang was a member of Hamiruge (the LSU Percussion Group) where he served as treasurer for the LSU Percussive Arts Society Chapter. He was an active member of student ensembles most recently playing in the LSU Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Ensemble groups during his time in school. He can be heard in several recordings performing with these ensembles online. He was also involved as a performer on Chad Heiny’s album Beacons of Light: The Percussion Music of Chad Heiny which was released in 2021. Bang was also a member of The Golden Band from Tigerland serving as a drumline member for two years. During his time with the marching band, Bang performed as a bass drummer in Sean Ardoin’s Grammy-nominated album “Full Circle”.

As a composer, Bang has collaborated with ensembles such as Unheard-of Ensemble and Hamiruge – The LSU Percussion Ensemble. His portfolio spans percussion ensembles, multi-percussion solos, string quartets, and mixed chamber groups, reflecting a compositional voice that is both versatile and continually evolving. Characterized by intricate rhythmic structures, rich harmonic language, and a strong sense of narrative, his music creates performances that are both compelling and immersive. In addition to his concert works, Bang’s scores have been featured in short films that have earned awards and international premieres, with screenings in New York, India, and Romania.

In March 2025, Bang co-founded Joyful Noise Collective with filmmaker and photographer Caleb Chong as a space for interdisciplinary artistic collaboration. Sparked by Bang’s desire to continue creating boldly beyond the structure of academia, the collective serves as a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to come together, share ideas, and push creative boundaries. Guided by the motto “Dream big, Love more,” Joyful Noise Collective embraces the belief that meaningful art can come from all walks of life—celebrating difference as a source of beauty and inspiration.

Bang has been involved with multiple schools in Baton Rouge. Bang most recently taught elementary percussion with Kids’ Orchestra in Baton Rouge.