Hello! My name is Sasha and I just turned 13 years old. When I was younger, I tried playing guitar and piano. I decided that both were too hard for me at the time and stopped playing. When I was in second grade, I tried an after school drumming program. This led to my parents signing me up for lessons at the local School of Rock. Five years have passed and I have been continuously playing in performance programs and taking lessons at the School of Rock.
At the start of my sixth grade year in 2021, I decided to try out for my school’s Jazz Band and Orchestra. At first, I didn’t get in because I didn’t know how to read music with pitch. After that, my mom taught me how to read music over the summer. I re-auditioned and I have been playing percussion in Jazz Band and Orchestra ever since.
Currently, I am in a “Teen Anthems” program at School of Rock. I enjoy practicing songs for both school and School of Rock. I also find myself fiddling around with Garage Band in my free time. I like writing music because it is a calming activity that can also be fun and energizing to engage in when I’m bored. Outside of drumming, I also like to participate in track and bouldering. I also enjoy creating visual art and solving long division and algebra problems. I am curious about the world and enjoy every chance I get to learn new things.
One interesting and difficult part of my drumming experience is being a lefty drummer. As a beginner musician, I would’ve never thought of how hard it would be to constantly switch the kit every single time I play. I think that it is interesting that while individuals such as myself and Phil Collins choose to play on a lefty kit, others such as Ringo Starr choose to learn or play on a righty kit. After playing lefty for five years, I have a lot of respect for those who switch the kit so often. Although it would’ve been easier for me in the long run to play righty, I’m glad that I play lefty. After all, it is pretty hilarious to watch an instructor struggle with explaining a part on a lefty kit.
On the first day of the contest, my mom sent me an email about the competition. I thought it would be interesting to try something new, so I started preparing. When thinking of what I should play for my audition, I immediately thought of “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton. I played this song in my last School of Rock performance program, One-Hit Wonders. This song showcases my skills on the kit and proves that I can play a groove.
Thank you for this opportunity. I’m glad that I can take part in such a cool competition.