The group, composed of Sean Connors, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin, and David Skidmore, specializes in new music/contemporary classical music and is known for its touring and recording activities.
[4] The quartet endorses and performs exclusively with Pearl/Adams Musical Instruments,[5] Zildjian Cymbals,[6] Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth sticks and mallets.
In 2004, original members Anthony Calabrese, Robert Dillon, Jacob Nissly, and David Skidmore were all percussionists with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago,[7] as well as students of Northwestern University.
In the summer of that same year, the group's membership took a slight turn when Jake Nissly left for graduate studies at the Juilliard School.
The unique concept of Third Coast's repertoire was something that the group developed early, influenced by a series of restraints that they dealt with.
Ethelbert Williams was essential in helping to create a presentable package for the group that they could promote to the music world on a much broader scale.
This led to commissioning projects with Philip Glass, Missy Mazzoli, Gemma Peacocke, Flutronix, Jlin, Tyondai Braxton, Devonté Hynes, Georg Friedrich Haas, Donnacha Dennehy, Glenn Kotche, Christopher Cerrone, David T. Little, and others.
In addition to working with today's leading composers, Third Coast has also collaborated with "engineers at the University of Notre Dame,[10] architects at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation,[11] dancers at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago,[12] and musicians from traditions ranging from the mbira music of Zimbabwe’s Shona people,[13] to indie rockers and footwork producers, to some of the world’s leading concert musicians.