Saturday, January 20, 2024 9am-11am
Old Dominion University- Diehn School of Music
She believes that “Drumming gets people out of their heads and into their hearts; out of the past or future and into the present moment.” (Christine Stevens) It is a time to not worry about being perfect or making mistakes. Just be in the moment, have fun and become part of the group.
Clinician Bio: 
Mitzi Emblidge is in her 9th year as a Music Teacher at Riverside Elementary School in Newport News, VA where she teaches general music for grades K-5. She is also the founder and instructor for the Riverside Elementary Boomin’ Bears Drumline and is a front ensemble instructor for the Menchville High School Marching Monarch Band. She has been teaching in Newport News Public Schools for 23 years, is the Lead Music Teacher for all Newport News Elementary Schools and was recognized as the District Teacher of the Year in 2022.
Mitzi received her BA in Psychology and Music Education Minor from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She continued her education at Virginia Peninsula Community College and Christopher Newport University where she completed her Pre K – 6 teaching credentials. Mitzi began her music experiences at age 10 when she had her first percussion lesson. She has spent many years in marching band, percussion ensemble, concert band, jazz band, and began her love of drum circles at a weekend retreat in 1993 when she worked with at-risk youth.