Hamilton Cleverdon

Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1989. I've played viola since I was in 4th grade and since then, music has slowly taken over my life. I picked up the violin, drumset, electric guitar, udu, frame drum, snare drum, didgeri doo, keyboard, organ, bass guitar, xylophone, timpani, djembe, and dumbek. I have influences from classical music (Bach, Stravinsky, Beethoven), middle-eastern/eastern/african/ab music, techno and trip hop, and soundtracks (Hans Zimmer, Philip Glass, Nobuo Uematsu, Rob Dougan, Craig Armstrong), as well as some from heavy metal, rock, and rap. In 10th grade, only 2 years ago, my dad gave me an 8-Track mixer and since then I've progressed in music recording and production to the point that I want to spend the rest of my life doing it. I also hope to take my composition abilities and do soundtracks.

I perform viola frequently as a soloist, part of chamber groups, and in full orchestras. I love it more than anything

I love almost any Classical, Middle-Eastern, world music. Metal is some of my favorite. Electronic music is great as well--but I'll listen to almost anything.

Viola: Mainly for soloistic purposes, has the full range of any violin you'll ever need and more. I can perform any type of classical music, but my loves are in Arabic soloing and Celtic fiddling. After 9 years of learning from different teachers across the east coast and the south, this is my most versatile instrument. Orchestra: I can write for nearly any arrangement of orchestra with full winds, brass, strings, and percussion. My styles vary greatly and I can do anything you'd want from an orchestra, delivered to you with good quality sounds provided by East West Quantam Leap Symphonic Orchestra Choir: Much like the orchestra, my choral arrangement capabilities are wide. For both orchestra and choir I write out the notes on Sibelius 3.0 and transfer them through the East West programs. I have a full choir of SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass), as well as an astounding boy's choir sound. I can make them speak as well. Quality sounds provided by East West Quantam Leap Symphonic Choir. Guitars: I am somewhat limited but I am learning more of the guitar every time I pick it up. I can do relatively simple licks but any power chord or deep, dark, angry sounds you need from it, I can pull off no problem. Drumset: I can do most time signatures you'd ever need (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/8, etc.) and I have good micing capabilities as well for maximum aesthetic value. I can also perform solo snare drum. Keyboards/Piano: I am limited on the piano but I can hit any chord you ask in any inversion, play melodies and harmonies, but I'm not virtuosic. Tribal Percussion: I keep at home a small collection of different instruments from around the world, including two didgeri doos (Australian aboriginal, low drone sound), a frame drum (deep, dark drum), djembe (big sounding African drum), dumbek (higher-pitched Middle Eastern drum), an udu (hollow suction-produced sound, very cool! African), sarod (Indian, plucked string instrument), sitar (Indian), rainstick (from around the world). Electronic drum loops: I use Fruity Loops V6.0, Producer's Edition. It comes with a wide variety of sounds and I have obtained most of the extra soundsets. Huge selection of different drum loops at quick and easy disposal. The equipment I use in recording songs varies from one to another. Shantih uses all real instruments, while in Shantih V2 the orchestra is replaced by a synthesized orchestra. Otherwise, the programs I use are as follows: Fruity Loops V6.0 (For drum loops) Audacity (Beta Version) (For mixing) Sibelius 3.0 (For composing) East West Quantam Leap Symphonic Orchestra (for strings, winds, brass, and most percussion) East West Quantam Leap Symphonic Choir (for all choirs) WordBuilder (to put lyrics to the choirs)