Sheila Klotz

The acclaimed percussionist, educator, and retired military band commander is the visionary founder of SoMar Drummers, Inc.  During her pioneering career she established an updated  framework for contemporary military band performances coupled with elite performance tours and leadership. She now dedicates herself to revolutionizing the percussive arts and cultivating the next wave of musical talent.
 
Sheila’s journey began as a rudimental prodigy, securing numerous Maryland State and National Snare Drum Solo titles during her youth. By 15, she graced the stage at Carnegie Hall as the youngest member of America's Youth In Concert, followed by an extensive, month long European Concert tour.
 
After graduating from West Virginia University, Sheila earned a prestigious position with The United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C. There, she performed at the White House, Pentagon, Kennedy Center and abroad for high-profile state functions and international musical events. She later transitioned to the 257th Army Band, serving as Commander and Music Director. In this vital role, she managed diverse ensembles and utilized music as a catalyst for community outreach, diplomacy and military support.
 
For 30 years, she paralleled in academia, serving as Professor of Percussion at both St. Mary's College of Maryland and The College of Southern Maryland. Her [rivate instruction and mentorship paved the way for students to secure professional placements and scholarships at top-tier institutions like Peabody Conservatory, Duke University, and The United States Navy Band.
 
In 2021, she established SoMar Drummers, Inc., a nonprofit focused on holistic percussion training. From this initiative, she birthed the Mid Atlantic Drum Camp. What began as a modest pandemic-era workshop for eight students has since flourished into a globally recognized intensive for young drummers seeking musical mastery.
 
Serving as the Camp Director and lead educational architect, Sheila designs a rigorous curriculum that challenges musicians of all backgrounds. Partnering with world-renowned drummer Matt Garstka, they curate an elite faculty covering music genre's, concepts and rudimental applications,  Her unique methodology combines historical context with modern  technology, leading the next generation through an intense and transformative five-day session that concludes in the students Marquee Showcase.

Sheila’s drum prowess was further recognized when she was crowned the 2020 Hit Like A Girl International Drum Set Champion. A TRX Cymbal Artist and WFLIII Drums Clinician, she remains a powerhouse in the industry today, continuing to record and teach worldwide through her profound commitment to artistic excellence.