Marimba man

Sounds of percussion instruments beat through Schuster Hall in Wright State University’s Creative Arts Center.

As the Wright State percussion group rehearses in Schuster Hall one artist and his instrument stand out.

“There’s a lot of peace behind seven feet of rosewood,” Stephen Monath, a junior music education and performance major, said of his Marimba percussion instrument. “It’s a very true instrument. It only does what you bring to the table.”

“He’s just a force in the studio,” said Jerry Noble, director of percussion studies.

Monath’s passion for performing and instructing classmates shows during rehearsal. “It’s not just playing. I enjoy the teaching aspect of it, the aha moment,” he said.

You can watch Monath and many other Wright State students perform at ArtsGala on April 9 in the Creative Arts Center. Monath will also perform April 20 at the Wind Symphony concert at 8 p.m. in Schuster Hall.

ArtsGala showcases the talents of Wright State students in art, music, theatre, dance and motion pictures. Over the last 16 years, the event has raised more than $2 million for scholarships for students. Monath is a recipient of an ArtsGala scholarship.