THE BAND
Marsha and the Positrons are a DC-based kindie (kids + indie rock) band known for shows that are a ton of family-friendly fun! Both playful and educational, our original songs about science and how the world works are entertaining for adults as well as kids. Besides getting audiences singing along and dancing to songs that inspire curiosity about science, we play traditional favorites, kid-appropriate pop covers and parodies. Our goal is to send families home with smiles on their faces, plant the seeds for good conversations, and share our positive energy with the audience!
Washington Post
Going-Out Guide
Editor's Pick
". . . among the Washington area's most creative and distinctive" children's musicians.
Photo by Joe Noyes Photography
AYANNA GALLANT
// percussion, vocals, trumpet & flute
Talented percussionist, brass player, and singer, Ayanna has been a full-time middle school band director and music teacher. She is also a member of Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, Ayanna is a multi-faceted and multi-talented performer.
KRISTEN ARANT
// percussion & vocals
Kristen is currently not playing with the band, but you can find her leading the all-female Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, She is also a music teacher & drum teacher, and is the founder of the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, as well as the co-proprieter of Hands on Drums drum shop.
MARSHA GOODMAN-WOOD
// lead vocals & guitar
Singer/songwriter, music teacher, and former cognitive neuroscientist, Marsha brings her positive, playful energy, big smile, and warm, rich voice to the stage — whether singing about outer space or covering kid-appropriate pop songs. Marsha is also a Wolf Trap/Young Audiences of MD Teaching Artist.
WARDELL HOWELL
// bass
Jazz and R&B bassist by night, kindie bassist by day, Wardell's smooth playing reflects years of professional experience. When he's not holding down the groove at our shows, he can be found playing weddings, at church, and in various combos around town.
CHELLE FULK
// fiddle & vocals
Classically trained, multi-talented & highly versatile, Chelle refers to herself as a "fiddlist" -- part fiddler, part violinist -- she is also an accomplished violist and singer, and loves playing the electric 5-string fiddle. Chelle is also owner and operator of Music by Anthem who perform at weddings and many events and is a member of the high energy Celtic fusion band, North of Argyll.
DAVID STRAUSS// electric guitar
Former drummer, David has been playing in bands for most of his adult life, including DC-based reggae band, Lucky Dub, and psychedelic-hardcore-black metal-synthpop group, Achtung Panda. He now brings his great energy & electric guitar to kick it up a notch for our awesome kindie audiences. He is also the proprietor of local speakeasy, OKPB.