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Sherrie Maricle

Drummer, Band Leader, Composer/Arranger and Teacher.

About Me

From the drum set Sherrie leads The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, her quintet FIVE PLAY and co-leads the 3Divas. From Carnegie Hall, she performs with The New York Pops and from celebrated stages everywhere, she is music director and drummer for Broadway star Maurice Hines. Sherrie is also a busy freelance performer and a published composer/arranger.

With her bands Sherrie has performed at many of the world’s most acclaimed music venues and festivals; from Lincoln Center to the Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl, to Jazz Festivals in Germany, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Ireland, England, Croatia, Japan, Vietnam and Israel and beyond. Additionally, DIVA was featured at the 2017 NEA Jazz Master’s Awards Ceremony, the soundtrack for the NBC-Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular; on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, on TCM’s televised broadcast of the 25th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center and NHK Japan’s New York Jazz. The band also co-stars in the award-winning documentary film The Girls in the Band.

Sherrie has received several awards and honors which include a 2014 Ovation award for “Best Music Direction” in Tappin Through Life; the 2009 Mary Lou Williams-Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award, a 2013 State Department grant for FIVE PLAY to tour Vietnam, a tour grant from Arts International, The Kennedy Center Alliance Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Arts, a grant from Meet the Composer, a Doctoral Fellowship from New York University, the New York City Music Educator’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education and was twice selected New York University “Music Teacher of the Year.”

As an educator, Sherrie runs a private drum set and percussion studio. She is also a clinician for Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads and Vic Firth Drum Sticks. On a national level, she has served as guest conductor, soloist and adjudicator for many collegiate and high school jazz and All-State festivals. Sherrie also created and directs Musical Magic, a hospital outreach program for The Ronald McDonald House – New York.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985 from Binghamton University Sherrie moved to New York City and attended New York University, where she completed a Masters of Arts in Jazz Performance in 1986 and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Jazz Performance/Composition in 2000.

The DIVA Jazz Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Project (2018, ArtistShare) is the band’s most recent Cd, featuring original music composed by band members. In 2019 FIVE PLAY released “LIVE” at The Firehouse Stage (independent) and in 2016 the 3Divas recorded their self-titled inaugural Cd (independent) “LIVE” at WVIA Radio in Pittston, PA.

Please visit Sherrie and her bands on their websites and all major social media outlets.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it speaks to my soul. I was first exposed to jazz in Binghamton, NY seeing Buddy Rich and his Killer Force Orchestra. I met Slam Stewart as a high school student. I've attended a lot of great shows. The Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, Jeff Hamilton, and Ray Brown shows are my favorites. The first jazz record I bought was Buddy Rich's "Live at Ronnie Scotts" and Miles Davis' "Milestones." My advice to new listeners is to listen to everything because the musicians creating this music speak from their hearts!!! You don't have to love it all, but there is always a lot to appreciate and respect. I'm always deeply grateful to have a life in Jazz!