As a performer, pedagogue, clinician, and researcher, Elizabeth DeLamater is committed to bringing the highest level of percussion performance to students and audiences alike. Elizabeth teaches at Youngstown State University and Notre Dame College as well the International Music Camp (International Peace Gardens, North Dakota/Manitoba), where she founded and directs the World Percussion Sessions. A former member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth has performed with many classical and contemporary ensembles, including the Akron Symphony, Opera Project Columbus, the Phoenix Symphony, Crossing 32nd Street, and the Arizona Contemporary Music Ensemble. She has shared the stage with many outstanding artists, including Robert Chappell, Orlando Cotto, Dane Richeson, Michael Spiro, Dan Moore, Mat Britain, Tom Miller, Clifford Alexis, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, and Liam Teague.
Elizabeth has been fortunate to participate in the world’s panoply of percussion traditions, and her travels include two tours of Japan and multiple trips to Trinidad and Tobago to perform and conduct research. In June 2010 she traveled to Senegal and The Gambia, where she studied Wolof and Malinke drumming. Her numerous festival and conference appearances include four Percussive Arts Society International Conferences.
Elizabeth has extensive experience as a steelband director and arranger whose ensembles have received many awards, including an Educational Grammy Award in 2005 and an invitation to perform at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Orlando, FL. From 2007-2011, Elizabeth was director of the Pan Devils Steelbands at Arizona State University and taught at Paradise Valley Community College. Prior to 2007, Elizabeth lived in the Chicago area and taught at Roosevelt University, North Central College, and Waubonsee Community College.
Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance degree from Northern Illinois University, her Master of Music in Percussion Performance degree from The Florida State University, and her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University; her teachers include Vicki P. Jenks, Robert Chappell, Rich Holly, Clifford Alexis, G. Allan O’Connor, Gary Werdesheim, J. B. Smith, Mark Sunkett, and Dom Moio.
An active clinician, Elizabeth serves on the Percussive Arts Society World Music Committee, and is sponsored by Zildjian Cymbals and Remo Percussion. Her work is published by Panpress.