M.B. Gordy is a renowned percussionist and composer in the world of classical music. Born in 1971 in Los Angeles, California, Gordy grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Gordy started playing drums at the age of three and was already performing in public by the time he was six. Gordy's early musical education was diverse, including jazz, rock, and classical music. He attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where he studied percussion with Mitchell Peters, the principal timpanist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. After high school, Gordy went on to study at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance. After completing his studies, Gordy began his professional career as a freelance musician in Los Angeles. He quickly established himself as a versatile and in-demand percussionist, performing with a wide range of ensembles and artists. He played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Opera, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, among others. He also worked as a studio musician, recording music for film, television, and video games. In addition to his work as a performer, Gordy also began composing music. His compositions were influenced by his diverse musical background, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and classical music. He wrote music for a variety of ensembles, including percussion ensembles, chamber groups, and orchestras. Gordy's career reached new heights in 2005 when he was invited to join the percussion section of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This was a major achievement for Gordy, as the Los Angeles Philharmonic is one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. As a member of the orchestra, Gordy has performed in some of the world's most famous concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Gordy's work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. In 2008, he was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album for his work on the album "The Jazz Chamber Trio." The album featured Gordy on percussion, along with pianist Bill Cunliffe and bassist Darek Oleszkiewicz. The album was praised for its innovative blend of jazz and classical music. In addition to his work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gordy has also performed with other major orchestras around the world. He has played with the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists outside of the classical music world, including jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and rock band The Who. Gordy's compositions have also received critical acclaim. In 2010, he was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic to write a piece for their Green Umbrella series, which showcases new and innovative works by contemporary composers. Gordy's piece, "The Drum Maker," was inspired by the traditional African art of drum making. The piece was praised for its rhythmic complexity and innovative use of percussion instruments. Gordy's work as a composer has also been recognized with awards and commissions. In 2012, he was awarded a commission from the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra to write a piece for their "Westside Connections" series, which explores the connections between music and other art forms.

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