Performing Groups
Duoma
Duoma, a percussion duo of Dr. Renee Keller and Dr. Sarah Waters, is based out of northwest Ohio. Duoma aims to bring relatable and accessible classically-oriented music to all audiences with a focus on performing original works and arrangements. Duoma’s approach is to appeal to audiences of all ages and experiences and provides a refreshing and honest form of musical expression. Duoma’s original works are particularly focused on introducing students to extended techniques that have become common in orchestral and percussion works of the 20th, and the inclusion of the drum set as part of duo repertoire that is not exclusively focused on jazz. Duoma has performed at conferences and festivals including the Music By Women Festival held in Mississippi in 2018, the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy in Arkansas in 2019, several percussion festivals in Ohio, and the National Association of Wind and Percussion Collegiate Instructors in Miami, Florida in October 2021 (virtual due to pandemic).
On April 29, 2023 Duoma presented their latest concert at St. Charles Church in Lima, Ohio, featuring several new compositions and arrangements by both Renee and Sarah. The concert was well-received and plans to record a CD are underway.
Jazz Blue Trio
Lead by Dean Altstaetter, the Jazz Blue Trio consistently provide a high quality, big-city jazz sound. Each time the group plays, the audiences are transported to a time back when. His team of talented Play It Blue musicians create an awesome mood of sensitivity and expression which engage audiences of all types. You will not be disappointed!
Contact Info Dean Altstaetter 567-242-4746
playitblue.com@gmail.com
Jazz Blue Trio Upcoming Performances
Upcoming Dates: August 4, 2023 ONU Inn
August 19, 2023 Indian Lake
Lima Symphony Orchestra
Sarah first played with the Lima Symphony as a student-performer while attending Ohio Northern University (1984-1987). After returning to Lima due to Hurricane Katrina, she began playing again and has done so since (2005 - present). In addition to playing in the percussion section, Sarah has been leading the Drum Circle group that gives presentations in a wide variety of places, such as libraries, schools, and prisons, as part of the LSO Music as Healing Outreach. 2022-23 season's highlights include soloing on drum set with tabla virtuoso Sandeep Das and cellist Henry Shapard, and performing the snare part to Scheherazade.
The Wild Steelions
The Wild Steelions is a steel band made up of Ada area junior high and high school students. The director, Sarah Waters, formed the group in 2015 and it has grown since. The band practices once a week on Sunday afternoons and has been playing concerts in the area for several years. The Steelions perform at the Harvest and Herb Festival in Ada; many libraries, including Ada, Bluffton and Lima; several nursing homes the Yacht Day at the Sandusky Harbor.
Their music is a mix of traditional calypsos, rock-and-roll favorites, and originals.
Steelions Upcoming Performances
August 12 Ada Park for the Farmers and Merchants Picnic, Band Shell 5:00 - 6:00 pm. Free and Open to the Public
Percussion and Steel Bands at Ohio Northern University
The percussion studio at Ohio Northern University is very engaged, active and successful. It is open to music majors and non-majors who participate in ensembles. These ensembles include the 150 piece Marching Band, the Symphony Orchestra, the Symphonic Band, the Jazz Band, Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble, and as needed, the pit orchestra for musicals. ONU has two 5-octave Adams marimbas, two 4.3 octave Musser marimbas, a new set of 5 Adams timpani, new Adams xylophone, new Adams chime, a full steel drum band, African drumming, and Chinese percussion, plus other instruments you would expect in a large college – however, ONU is a smaller liberal arts college – the best of both worlds!
The studio is under the direction and guidance of Dr. Sarah Waters. Waters has a Doctorate in Percussion Performance. She is a Fulbright Scholar, and spent a year studying and teaching in Botswana. Recently, Waters toured China performing and giving master classes. In summer of 2014, Waters taught African Music in Ghana.
The Percussion Ensemble performs high-caliber collegiate literature. Students are given the opportunity to compose or arrange for the ensemble and to rehearse and conduct the group. ONU is offers African drumming and dance ensembles, and the opportunity to play Chinese percussion. Truly, ONU Percussion students have a chance to experience and perform music from all over the world.
The Steel Band is one of the most popular ensembles at ONU. Playing representative literature, the steel band was honored to be chosen to perform at the Inauguration Party for the installment of ONU’s next president. Students are encouraged to arrange music for the group. We perform several times each semester, on and off campus.
ONU Percussion and Steel Band Upcoming Events
Percussion and Steel Band
November 28, 2023 Tuesday Presser Hall, ONU, Free and Open to the Public
7:00 pm
April 12, 2023 Friday Presser Hall, ONU, Free and Open to the Public
7:00 pm
ONU Orchestra
Dr. Sarah Waters was appointed the Director of the ONU Orchestra in 2021. Open to all university students, this is an auditioned ensemble. Performances are twice a semester. Email Dr Waters at s-waters@onu.edu for more information.
To book a drum circle, contact Sarah Waters at 419-204-8784. or contact the Lima Symphony Office 419-222-5701
Drum Circles
A drum circle! The shape does matter - we need to see everyone’s faces - everyone is equally important. These can be structured for any age group!From small children to adults.
Playing in the Drum circle itself is the only reason to be there, and the present moment is all that matters.
Sometimes people meet to play this way as part of a wider expression of spirituality and faith, and other times, drum circles can be used in a therapeutic way, to promote overall wellness.
Drum circles offer a chance for people to meet together, to make music and to have fun.
