Sam Um is currently rocking the role of Area Supervisor at the Cha Organization, where he’s all about making operations smoother, sales stronger, and communities more connected. From his time as General Manager to his current leadership position, Sam has a knack for turning stores into local success stories. One of his proudest wins? Transforming the Maywood store into a model of efficiency, teamwork, and growth. 
 

But Sam didn’t start there—he began his professional journey with drumsticks in hand. Before joining the Cha Organization, Sam was a Professor of Percussion at the University of Kansas School of Music, where he didn’t just teach rhythms—he led the department, created dynamic curricula for students of all levels, and served on high-level academic committees. He also brought music to the masses through community concerts, school visits, and educational outreach.
 

Sam holds a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University’s prestigious Peabody Institute, and two Master’s degrees from Yale (yes, two). He earned his bachelor’s at the Eastman School of Music and has performed on legendary stages like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. In 2019, he was the only American percussionist invited to compete at the world-renowned International ARD Competition in Munich—and came home with a prize. He’s toured across Europe and Asia and was a sponsored artist with top-tier brands like Vic Firth, Pearl Drums, and Zildjian Cymbals.
 

Whether he’s leading teams or keeping time behind a drum set, Sam brings energy, focus, and a passion for excellence to everything he does.