Sheltered Reality members show their stuff. -Photo provided

CONRAD — It is now official.

Steven Schlosser, executive director of Sheltered Reality, a drum group for all ages based out of West Liberty, has announced that the new Conrad practice site for central Iowa members is now up and running.

The new Conrad site has members from Conrad, Beaman, Tama and Eldora to date, and are eager to welcome more.

Primary site coordinator for the group will be Chuck Friend. Kelli Lair will serve as coordinator and lead instructor, Kris Scafferi as financial coordinator and Jason Scafferi as missions coordinator.

The group is seeking new members and plans to meet at the First Presbyterian Church in Conrad (100 S. Church Street).

Schlosser said that SR brings the message of using the “organized noise” of people of all ages drumming together to be a life-changing experience.

Sheltered Reality began 15 years ago when Schlosser decided to do a dissertation on using drums and music to change the world. It never was completed as the four member group has in 15 years grown to more than 300 members nationwide. There are currently more than 30 practice sites in 14 states, with members ranging in age from six to 78.

The group performs more than 400 shows nationwide each year, with members being able to play at the shows that they desire to attend. More than 110 drummers have just returned last week from last weekend’s Sizzlin’ Summer Drummer Bash 2 in Troy, Ill.

Currently lessons are held approximately every six weeks with Schlosser or assistant director Jordan Fratt teaching. Practices are held at the site level about every other week during the school year and as often as can be scheduled during the show season. Each site also participates in a mission project every month and is involved with fundraising throughout the year.

SR operates on the principle of six steps to success. They are: Take a chance, Never give up, Be willing to do whatever it takes, Believe in yourself, Be a friend and Do good.

Schlosser said that the steps to success have helped SR grow into a large family of caring individuals — pulling many out of the grips of a devastating life, while giving others the chance to fulfill their dreams.

SR has played many area shows including State Center, Grundy Center, Marshalltown, and Reinbeck. Theywereseen in the Iowa State Fair parade on Aug. 10, the Winding Stairs Festival in Traer on Aug. 13, and at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 14 at 12:30 p.m.

The group is available for community shows (fairs and festivals), school shows (motivational assemblies) and church shows (in which the step to success Believe in God is also added).

Information about the group and the number for booking is found on their website: www.sheltered_reality.org

The Conrad site is also in need of donations to help build its treasury. Donations of any size go a long way to help the organization and may be given Friend or to Kris Scafferi, or sent to Friend at Box 103 in Conrad. Please make all checks out to Sheltered Reality.

For more information on the Conrad site,or for questions about joining, contact coordinator Chuck Friend at 641-366-2585 (H) or 641-751-1395 – cell.