OUR EDUCATORS

With a successful performance career in military bands and over 30 years teaching, the Director of Percussion Education is driven to inspire the next generation of drummers..

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Her musicianship was recognized as early as 3-years old tapping on makeshift drums using pencils and tree limbs. Her formal drum education started with Rudimental Sage John Bosworth in a local drum corps, where she honed her rudimental chops and won 3-state and 2-national snare drum solo titles..

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Although originally self-taught on the kit, she was introduced to Jazz, Funk, R&B and classical percussion by her high school band director, leading her to full percussion study at WVU and subsequently a Percussionist position in The United States Air Force Band, Washington, DC.  ​

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Intense kit study began after arriving to The AF Band with Air Force Veteran Ronnie Shaw. Shaw instituted a rigorous study of groupings, independence, polyrhythms and rudimental applications.  Following studies further explored Funk, R&B, Jazz and Gospel. She honed her gospel chops as drummer for Lighthouse Baptist Church Women's Gospel Choir for over a decade.

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Half way through her military career, Sheila traded the drum sticks for the conductors baton in a new role as Commander, Conductor and Musical Director for the 257th Army Band. She steadfastly maintained her passion for the kit, cultivating a strict, at home, drum-set study regime.​​

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The self-study paid off In 2020 when she won the International Drum Competition "Hit Like A Girl"  and now serves as a judge for the contest.  Alongside her percussion duties at King's Christian Academy, she maintains a private percussion studio.​

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She is an active freelance drummer, percussionist, and recording artist in the Mid-Atlantic region, an Educator Clinician with WFLIII Drums and endorses TRX Cymbals.

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