OUR EDUCATORS

The Director of Percussion Education and founder of SoMar Drummers began her formal drum education with Rudimental Sage John Bosworth, followed by a classical percussion path set by my high school band director. This led her to West Virginia University, and subsequently earned a position in The United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC.

Originally self-taught on the drum kit, Klotz started formal drum set education at WVU and studied intensely with Air Force Veteran Ronnie Shaw, who enhanced her independence, polyrhythms, groupings and rudimental with various concepts and applications on the kit. After a decade with Shaw, she continued kit studies with Curtis Kendrick, exploring Funk, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Blues. For just over ten years, she was the drummer for the Lighthouse Baptist Church Women's Gospel Choir.

After serving just over 12 years in The Air Force Band, Sheila transitioned to the 257th Army Band in Washington, DC as a percussionist and later became the Commander & Conductor

Her career with US Military bands included performances at The White House, Pentagon, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Capitol Steps, and internationally.  To date, she regularly present clinics, workshops, and master classes in Classical Percussion, Drum Set, Latin Percussion, Wind Ensemble Conducting, and Concert Programming.

With over 30 years of teaching experience, she maintains a private percussion studio where her students earn scholarships to prestigious colleges and universities. In 2020, she won the International Drum Set Competition "Hit Like A Girl" and now serve as a judge for the contest. Alongside her role at The King's Christian Academy, she is an active freelance drummer, percussionist, and recording artist in the Mid-Atlantic region.
 

Sheila is an Educator Clinician with WFLIII Drums and endorses TRX Cymbals.

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