Hometown:
Park City, Utah
Education:
University of Utah Bachelor of Music 2023
New England Conservatory Master of Music 2025
Bio:
Jordan Fajardo-Bird is a percussionist currently based in Boston, MA. He has studied with Keith Carrick of the Utah Symphony, as well as Tim Genis, Will Hudgins, Dan Bauch, and Matt McKay, all of the Boston Symphony. Jordan has performed with groups including Utah Symphony, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, and Utah Chamber Artists. In past summers, Jordan has attended National Repertory Orchestra (2024) and Eastern Music Festival (2022, 2023).
What inspired you to become a musician?
My dad always listened to a lot of jazz and classical music, and he was a huge inspiration. He gave me a guitar for Christmas when I was 6, and then got me into piano when I was 8. It made starting band in 5th grade that much easier.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Stravinsky. I love Russian classical music, and all of these composers wrote fantastic percussion parts.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I once performed a piece for solo tam-tam that involved coins, a bouncy ball, a bird call, and bubbles.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy hiking, working out, eating great food, and spending time with my friends.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose to participate in the NRO because it has always been a dream to come here. It's very close to home for me and the mountains feel so familiar. The quality music making and the sheer amount of repertoire is on another level when it comes to summer music experiences. NRO provides so much experience and allows musicians to become acquainted with so much music that we will be performing for the rest of our lives. Additionally, so many professional musicians (who now hold jobs in major orchestras) attended NRO when they were young musicians. I believe that I am following in their footsteps and that this summer festival can equip me with the tools to win a job in an orchestra.