Jen Marinas-Fong

United States

Teacher/School: Karen Wulff

On my 45th birthday I walked into my local music store and signed up for drum lessons. I’d never been behind a kit before and after the first lesson, there was something unlocked inside me that I realized help chase years of depression away. Drums and the community around them helped to save my life.

I tried to immerse myself into the kit and my brother sent me a link to an International Women’s Day commercial featuring Tammy Mitchell-Woods and Sharon Ransom and I thought, “I’m going to meet them someday”… and I eventually did!

I began volunteering my time to Tammy’s group Drummer Girls United, making compilation drum videos for the girls that maybe wanted to post themselves playing, but were just a little too scared to go it alone. I’m happy to say I’ve created 12 cover videos that featured 60 women and girls from around the world. Watching everyone beam with pride was so fulfilling!

I just recently had my 5 year anniversary playing drums and I’m sharing and receiving the joy of the instrument now through teaching.

I have so many positive influences, such as Tammy and Sharon named above. Thanks to Heather Thomas, I felt I was never alone practicing stick control. There are so many more amazing drummers I could not possibly have enough space here to name them all. I am most inspired by the young girls who are up and coming. I’m trying to keep up with you! And special thanks to my Professor Chopmaster Karen Wulff who is an amazing teacher and mentor.

Best of luck to everyone!

22 Comments

  1. Jeanine on April 10, 2023 at 5:08 am

    This was awesome Jen!!!! Can’t believe you rick rolled us!!! Good luck in the contest.

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 11, 2023 at 12:48 am

      I’m glad you liked it! Your submission of Rope is just awesome! Best of luck to you too!

  2. Dana Helton on April 11, 2023 at 4:17 am

    Love this!! What a workout!!

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 11, 2023 at 11:09 am

      Was def burning calories! Thanks Dana!

      • Greg on April 13, 2023 at 2:04 pm

        Way to go Jen !!

  3. Nikitadrums Nikitadrums on April 11, 2023 at 11:32 pm

    Jen! Hi!!!! I love how you use the whole kit, moving around so much. I’m working on getting more use of my whole kit… goals!

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 12, 2023 at 4:14 pm

      Thank you for the kind words! It definitely took some planning for orchestration and I continue to work on my comfortably moving around the kit fluidly.

  4. Chuck Sanchez on April 12, 2023 at 9:29 am

    Jens teaching me! She’s the best!

  5. Juliet on April 12, 2023 at 11:47 am

    Woohooo! Awesome performance, teacher, Jen! You are an inspiration!

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 12, 2023 at 4:18 pm

      Juliet!!! Thank you! Let’s play together soon!

  6. DianeHirakawa DianeHirakawa on April 12, 2023 at 12:59 pm

    Good orchestration around the kit and spot on with your groove. Good Luck from a fellow Drummer Girls United member. Good Luck! Drummer Di

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 12, 2023 at 4:15 pm

      Let’s gooooo buddy!!!

      • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 12, 2023 at 4:17 pm

        Haha Diane that reply was for Chuck above but landed under you.

        I LOVED your professionally shot video! You timing and feel we’re great and I loved watching the whole thing. Great song!

  7. kathy Smith on April 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm

    Jen!! Great job!!!

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 13, 2023 at 12:41 pm

      Thanks Kathy!! 🙂

  8. ann Petre on April 14, 2023 at 10:48 am

    Great Job Jen!!! You are a Rock Star!!!!!

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 14, 2023 at 3:39 pm

      Hey!! Thanks Ann!!! 😊

  9. Edna on April 14, 2023 at 6:54 pm

    You are an awesome drummer Jen

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 15, 2023 at 10:25 pm

      Thank you so much!

  10. Aida on April 18, 2023 at 9:15 pm

    Jen, I’m proud of you. I can now request to play some of my my favorite songs. Love you !!!!

    • jenmarinasfong jenmarinasfong on April 19, 2023 at 10:29 am

      I’ll play you any song you want, Mom. Love you! “Never Gonna Give You Up” was for you!!! 🥰

  11. sandigreccomusic@gmail.com sandigreccomusic@gmail.com on May 11, 2023 at 9:58 pm

    You rock!! Thank you for the awesome and entertaining entry! Love to see you following your passion!

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