"Before I ever had the inkling to take percussion seriously, the image of the handprint in the middle of a Black Swamp tambourine was etched in my mind. That handprint represents everything that I have come to know and value about the tactility of percussion and Black Swamp's commitment to crafting products that sound beautiful and feel comfortable."
Dr. Lucas Helker is a percussionist, educator, musicologist, and sound engineer who serves as Assistant Professor of Percussion at Fort Hays State University, where he directs applied lessons, percussion ensemble, and the Tiger Drum Line. An advocate for new music, he has commissioned or premiered works by composers including Jenni Brandon and Quijiang ‘Levi’ Lu, with many featured in his annual Ears to the Earth concert series, which combines performance with community outreach. He has performed with ensembles such as Yarn/Wire, So Percussion, and Heartland Marimba, and regularly collaborates with regional groups like the Free State Brass Band. Formerly on faculty at Benedictine College and Bishop Seabury Academy, Luke is also active in the marching arts, having toured with Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps. His academic work focuses on percussion performance practices and music’s interaction with nature, with presentations at PASIC, NCPP, and AMS/SMT. He holds degrees from the University of Kansas and Millersville University, and currently serves as treasurer of PAS Kansas and a member of its New Music/Research Committee.