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Debra King |
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As a young child I became
keenly interested in drums and particularly the sound of the snare drum. My
parents did not share my enthusiasm, so just to stay involved in music I took
up any instrument they would allow me to. I started first with the violin,
then the saxophone, then the oboe and finally the trombone. I did not
actually learn to play any of those instruments and all the while I continued
pining to learn the drums. At the age of 11, I put together a make shift drum
kit out of cardboard boxes and my dad’s saw blades. I played along to records
and finally my parents could hear how determined I was to play the drums and
how much time I put into practicing. At the age of 14, my family and a very
kind friend pitched in enough money to purchase a drum kit for me. I took a
few lessons and continued to play along with records. In my late teens and
throughout my twenties I played with a number of rock bands. Later, my
musical interests changed and I picked up the guitar. Then in my 40’s I
discovered bluegrass and have since dabbled with the mandolin and, more recently,
the banjo which I still play. When friends of mine became interested in pipes
and joined ODF they encouraged me to consider joining the band as a drummer.
I was a bit intimidated because Scottish drumming is very technically
challenging. Although I have only been playing Scottish style snare drum for
a short while, I very much enjoy the challenge and the band is a fun and
supportive group of people. |
