Tihda Vongkoth (she/they) is a co-founder of Modern Marimba in Sarasota & Calusa territory and identifies as an able-bodied, non-binary person of the Lao diaspora. Tihda speaks standard American English but grew up listening to others speak Lao English. While growing up in a single-parent refugee family with heteronormative, assimilationist values, Tihda attended PCCA, an arts high school in St. Pete, and the Interlochen Arts Academy, ultimately earning a Master’s degree in music performance from Temple University.
Tihda has appeared as a marimba soloist with The Florida Orchestra, the U.S. Air Force Band, the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, and the Interlochen Academy Orchestra. They have performed as a guest orchestral percussionist with The Florida Orchestra, Orlando Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic, Sarasota Orchestra, Opera Tampa, St. Pete Opera, and Jacksonville Symphony. Through her interdisciplinary work with Spoken Word poet Melanie Lavender, Tihda is committed to using art for healing and liberation. Tihda hopes to cultivate a sense of inner curiosity, acceptance, and lifelong respect for music communities.
Tihda proudly occupies the office of union president of AFM Local 427-721. She lives in the City of Sarasota with her life partner, Dean Anderson, who is also a percussionist, and their senior yellow lab.