I was 8 when a friend’s mom took me and her daughter to a $20 trial drum lesson at a music store; I never looked back. Fast-forward and now I drum in a band I founded, called Garbage Girlfriend, named after my ex-boyfriend said I was “a good person, but a garbage girlfriend.” I take drum lessons at School of Rock Katy, where I am also Captain of the House Band. I play drums and percussion in my high school’s jazz band, and I am on the snare line of the marching band.

Drumming, playing music, is my life. One of my biggest influences is Gina Schock of the Go Go’s. I recently got to meet her and she talked with me about having passion and only playing music that comes from your heart and that really spoke to me. Gina’s passion paved the way for girls like me. She is one of only two female drummers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; I hope to change that one day.

My grandfather played drums in a big band style group. He saw my passion for drums and passed his 1966 Ludwig set on to me and I play it daily. My passion inspired my dad to start playing drums two years ago. My passion for drumming fuels me. It is in my heart, and I want to share it with as many people as possible.