“It was just a boost of morale for the school!”
Matthew Seranara – Petaluma City Schools
The Program
Not your usual school band – giant instruments, earth-shaking rhythms, and dance-inspiring melodies that kids can’t get enough of! Play Marimba! offers joyful music-making for kids in a technology-free, social environment where kids thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We offer quality music programs in schools and summer camps that integrate traditional songs from around the world into a unique, diverse, and engaging experience. We also partner with schools by providing instruments and training to their staff in our curriculum and approach.
Academic Growth
+17% improvement in English scores
+19% improvement in Math scores
+8.4% Higher Attendance Rate
Cognitive Benefits
Boosts IQ
Enhances Social & Emotional Intelligence
Develops Empathy
Positive Impact
Decreases Bullying
Fosters Inclusion and Respect
81% Spend Less Time on Their Phone
Kids Have FUN!
Kids can play a song on Day One
87% Practice at Home
Grita Marimba! Ensemble
Based in Sonoma County, Play Marimba’s nonprofit wing, Grita Marimba! proudly runs senior and junior performing ensembles for our advanced marimba players. Designed for serious, passionate, and highly skilled young musicians, Grita! allows students to continue playing marimba beyond what is available in their school day music programs. Grita! also provides these young players a chance to further grow as musicians, gain performance experience, and tour with a professional-caliber ensemble.
As a community-centered organization, we are committed to developing the next generation of musicians and music educators. Grita! members also participate in mentorship roles and serve as teaching assistants and interns for our summer camps—gaining valuable leadership and teaching experience.
All of this is offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of our donors. Our vision includes expanding the Grita! program to include a national tour for these extraordinary young musicians. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support the future of these dedicated and inspiring performers.
Play Marimba is registered 501(c)3 nonprofit EIN# 83-1941152
Hear Our Music
Cardboard Rocket
Three Kings – Christmas Carol from Puerto Rico
Mbira Jam
El Ahualulco – Traditional song from Mexico
Hand Crafted Instruments
Hand-built Zimbabwean-style marimbas made from African padauk hardwood. We also provide take-home “practice marimbas” for every child.
The Team
Tobias Sparks
Founder, Bay Area Director
Master percussionist and renowned recording artist on over 30 albums, Tobias’s love of music has taken him around the world performing with renowned musicians, singers, and dancers. He began playing professionally at age 15 and became known for his innovative musical style and improvisational abilities. He studied for years with master musicians in India, Egypt, and Turkey, and toured internationally in Europe, Asia, and South America. Since founding Play Marimba! in 2016, he has dedicated his time to inspiring the next generation of musicians, building instruments, composing music, and directing the Play Marimba! program.
Jorge Arvizu
Founder, Central Valley Director
An educator for over 40 years, Jorge has had a life-long passion for creating student-centered programs in academics, leadership, and the performing arts. As a former principal and administrator, Jorge has worked with local, county, and state providers to bring funding to youth programs throughout Northern and Central California. He has also collaborated with Fresno State and Sonoma State Universities on innovative leadership programs. His understanding of child development underscores his commitment to using music and the arts as essential ways to improve academics and foster healthy learning in our schools today. Co-founder of Play Marimba! Jorge’s vision is to give all students an opportunity to make “Joyful Music” to share with their families and communities.
Irene Gilchriese
Assistant Director
Irene grew up immersed in public school music programs in the East San Francisco Bay Area, studying flute and piano for over a decade. After a period focused on other academic pursuits, she rediscovered her passion for music through Loma Vista Elementary’s emerging marimba program in 2016. Today, marimba has become a primary source of joy, creativity, and connection in her life. Irene is now an elementary marimba teacher in Santa Rosa City Schools and leads several of Grita’s advanced ensembles. She continues to grow as both an educator and musician through her work with Play Marimba as a lead teacher and assistant director
Paul Zehrer
Nonprofit Director
Paul’s film and television career has intersected with schools and nonprofits for many years. He has created numerous award winning films and messaging campaigns on child development, kids and technology, standardized testing, developmental disabilities, and Waldorf education. He has worked for Human Rights Watch, MoveOn.org, Alliance for Climate Protection, PBS, Frontline, Nickelodeon, MTV, TED Talks, and others. As a director, he’s earned nominations for an Independent Spirit Award, the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, and an Emmy Award. As an editor, Paul’s work spans numerous music videos, concert films, feature films, and documentaries. He’s been a member of several boards, including school governance boards, and trained in integrating design-thinking, business strategy, and sustainability practices. Paul’s diverse and creative background offers important educational, business, and community guidance to Play Marimba’s mission and goals.
Joel Mankey
Curriculum Development
Joel Mankey is a musician, engineer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist from Thousand Oaks, CA. He received his Bachelor’s of Music from California State University, Northridge, where he graduated in 2007 with a Major in Music Composition for Film and Television with a Minor in Japanese Language.
As a professional musician, Joel has played nineteen different instruments in more than ten Bands and Ensembles. He has played on countless recordings — from small indie groups to major labels to network television premieres. As a record producer and recording engineer, he has produced numerous recordings, both live and from his own Monkey-Man Studios, which he shares with his father in Thousand Oaks.
Team of Teachers
Dave
Pascoe
Andrew
Deveny
Dario
Rangel
Kevin
Hill
John
Martin
Evo
Bluestien