Donald Knaack - History

History

Knaack started as a conservatory-trained percussionist and was a member of the Louisville Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. During this time, he mentored with composer John Cage who incorporated found objects into some of his work. Knaack developed a unique style of composition and performance on recycled materials and in 1998 he released his first album Junk Music, which was nominated for a Grammy award. Since then, he has continued expanding the medium both doing solo performances, conducting large jam sessions on recycled materials, and doing educational programs, often including the construction of a sound sculpture composed of recycled materials called a Junk Music Playstation. He has also collaborated with a number of artists in other realms of the traditional arts including choreographer Twyla Tharp, remixer Jack D. Elliot, producer David Kahne, the New York University Steinhardt School, and several symphony orchestras. In 2005, two tracks of his album Junk Music 2 were used in three television commercials: one for Electronic Arts, one for the National Basketball Association and one for ESPN, directed by Mark Romanek. Knaack has also worked with numerous schools and community groups, teaching music and environmental citizenry. In 2006, he developed the HOP (Help Our Planet) program, which encourages students to take small steps to help better the state of the environment. Knaack is currently working with producer/remixer Jack D. Elliot in a music ensemble called Rhythm Recyclers... Old Beats... New Music - now preparing for a Summer '08 tour.