Student/Parent Testimonials
from Mark and Karen Limkeman
"We would like to thank you, Tobin, for the excellent training you gave our son, Robert, at Studio Percussion. Being in the Kanapaha Middle School band was fun, but Robert needed your expert guidance to take him to the next level.
"He started out just wanting a private lesson each week, and then he added drumline. When we learned that we were moving to Holland and had to withdraw him from Studio Percussion, you offered to totally immerse him in every available program to take him to the highest possible skill level in the time you had remaining. The effort was very successful. Robert is now the lead percussionist of the American School of The Hague high school band and of the high school jazz band, he plays drums regularly in the worship service at our international church, and he was invited to play percussion in several rock bands comprised of fellow students.
"Robert has played at school concerts, community concerts, on the beach, in restaurants, at parties, in a jazz club, and at Disneyland in Paris, France.
"Studio Percussion not only improved Robert's percussion skills, which made him a much sought after performer, but you also provided a model of leadership and of building community that Robert has adopted and carried with him to his international school experience here in The Netherlands. Your style reinforced the value of building up others, and Robert has done that with great impact. This summer we are moving to another city in The Netherlands, and Robert is leaving The American School of The Hague with a well-trained replacement who turned out to be one of his best friends.
"We did not anticipate that we would be moving abroad during Robert's high school years. Soon we are moving again and possibly we will move a third time before Robert graduates. For most teens, this would spell emotional melt-down, but Robert is sailing through these transitions. Part of his success is due to his personality, but another very real part of his success we attribute to the fact that he has a skill that is instantly transferrable. He can walk into any community and instantly feel he belongs because of his percussion skills. Most of his friends in middle school were band kids, and many of his friendships here in Holland were formed in bands.
"When we go to the new international school, we are sad to say there will be no band of any kind. However, because of your excellent training, Robert has been welcomed to audition for a community symphony in Eindhoven. The band performs very challenging music and is comprised almost entirely of adults. They have never before accepted a member under 17 years of age, but they have lowered the minimum age to 15 in order to accept Robert. He would not have been able to consider this very great challenge if it were not for the preparation you have given him.
"So thank you for training Robert to be a good percussionist, and thank you for inspiring him to be a good leader. The world needs both!"
Sean Jones
Sean Jones began playing drum set at the age of 9, with Rick Cameron. At 11, he joined the Lincoln Middle School band, symphony, orchestra and jazz band under the direction of David Olsen and began percussion lessons with Tom Hurst. While with the Lincoln band for three years he became first chair percussionist, earned Superiors for various solo and ensemble performances each year and also earned the Director’s Award.
When he was 13 he joined the Alachua County Youth Orchestra, where he is first chair percussionist. Sean has taught percussion at Lincoln Middle School’s summer band program for the past three years. He joined two Studio Percussion mallet ensembles when he was 14 and began teaching bass drum for the drum line, and singing with Eastside’s Chamber Singers. Sean is a sophomore attending Eastside High School’s IB program. He performed percussion for Eastside High School’s production of Fiddler on the Roof and will perform percussion for their latest musical, HAIR, which opens March 25.
He currently takes mallet lessons with Luke Thatcher, a graduate music student at UF, studies music theory and ethnic music techniques with Tom Hurst, and takes drum set lessons with Tobin Wagstaff, Executive Director of Studio Percussion. Sean plans to continue with ACYO, Studio Percussion Ensembles and Chamber Singers throughout high school and wants to study chemistry and music in college.
He performed at the Stellar Music Student Recital at Thomas Center, March 24 at 7:00 PM.
"By believing in me, you made me believe in myself. Thank you!" — Nic (student)
"Thank you for giving my kids an opportunity they otherwise wouldn't have!" — Gena (parent)