About
The Proper Glue Duo is a dynamic ensemble consisting of percussionists Melanie S.T. Sehman and Steven Sehman. Formed in 2004, the Proper Glue Duo is dedicated to the creation and performance of modern music for percussion. The Duo seeks to promote widespread appreciation for percussion music by presenting energetic performances of repertoire with depth and substance, and by collaborating in the creation of new works with both emerging and established composers. The group has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico at institutions such as Cornell University, Conservatorio de las Rosas, the Eastman School of Music, University of Maryland, Queens College and the Hartt School of Music, establishing a reputation for their refined technique and relaxed, easy style.
Beyond performing, the Proper Glue Duo works continually to add to the relatively young body of repertoire for percussion by grantwriting and commissioning new works, and giving fresh performances of existing and lesser known works. The group has worked closely with composers such as Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez, Stuart Saunders Smith, Robert Morris, Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, Aaron Travers, David Plylar, Jacob Bancks and Martin Scherzinger.
Bios
Melanie S. T. Sehman is a percussionist specializing in contemporary chamber music. She enjoys working in partnership with other musicians and composers, active in the creation of new works. Ms. Sehman has appeared as a performer and clinician at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, published articles in Percussive Notes magazine, and recorded on the Summit and Equilibrium labels. In 2002, she began playing and studying the mbira dza vadzimu. Ms. Sehman received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree and was awarded the Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with John H. Beck. She has also studied with J.B. Smith and Andrew Spencer. Currently she is Assistant Professor at the City University of New York Queensborough Community College, where she teaches percussion, music theory and world music.
Percussionist Steven Sehman performs as one-half of the percussion group Proper Glue Duo. The duo has performed concerts throughout North America. Mr. Sehman has also served on the board of directors and has performed with the new music ensemble OSSIA, participating in numerous premieres. As a member of various ensembles he has collaborated with composers Steve Reich, Harrison Birtwistle, Bernard Rands and John Luther Adams. He has recorded on the New World, Equilibrium, Summit and d’Note Classics labels. Mr. Sehman received degrees from Arizona State University and the Eastman School of Music. He resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Past performances
Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Queens College, William Paterson University, Hartt School of Music, CUNY Queensborough, Rowan University, Conservatorio de las Rosas, University of Maryland Baltimore County, The Players Theatre NYC, Pima College, Percussive Arts Society International Convention 2006 & 2005, Tufts University, University at Buffalo, Eastman School of Music, Cornell University, SUNY Brockport, Nazareth College, Winchester Theater, Toronto.