Young Musicians Look for a (Drum) Break

For 23 years, Guitar Center’s annual Drum-Off competition has given undiscovered drummers a shot at launching careers in the music business.

The competition’s preliminaries began Tuesday at , the same store where Cora Coleman-Dunham’s career was jump-started, helping her land a gig with music legend Prince.

Five drummers competed in the first preliminary round. Antwoine Lavender, 19, and David Suggs, 29, were both chosen to move on to the store final Oct. 4. Two more finalists will be chosen Tuesday and Sept. 27.

“When I first started I was nervous," Lavender said through labored breaths after finishing his set. “Once I got going, I felt more comfortable.”

Lavender, of Rockville, plays at his church, The Resurrected Church of Christ. If he wins he’d use some of the $25,000 prize money to help his grandmother, Barbara Leach, he said.

Suggs, from Washington, D.C., also plays at his church, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington and with Washington-based singer Ihsan Bilal. He competed in the Drum-Off in 2008 and made it to the district finals. He says that experience helps him to “be poised” and “let the grooving come to [him]" when performing.

In contrast to Suggs, Tuesday night was the first time performing in front of a crowd for 16-year-old Daniel Chilin, of Germantown. If he was nervous, he didn’t show it—at least in comparison to his mother. Lizbeth Chilin fidgeted nervously as her son took the stage.

“I was nervous because this is his first time competing. But I feel better now,” she said with a smile after her son completed his set.

“I felt good," Daniel said. “I was a little nervous, but adrenaline kicked in and took over.”

Shelton Williams, 17, of Fort Washington, was a little nervous too but said he did better than he thought he would.

“That’s my baby!” Williams’ grandmother Annette Lucas said after he finished.

Lucas is a school crossing guard and Williams said he was happy and surprised she could attend.

His mother, Yolanda Williams, smiled brightly as she looked at her son.

“I was quite proud, very proud,” she said.

Jamie Logan, 16, of Rockville, showed resilience during his set. He dropped a stick mid-routine, but it didn’t stop him. He rebounded nicely and made a series of stick tosses with one hand while continuing to play with the other. He says it took him a few months to learn the maneuver.

“Could have been better," he said afterwards." Then, with a wry smile, he added: "Could have dropped less sticks.”

Steve Herring, one of two judges, knows what nerves can do to a drummer. He competed in 2000.

“It’s good to see guys be creative," said Herring, who has played with R&B singer Fantasia Barrino. “They say if you practice at home but never bring it out, you’ll only be the best drummer you’ve ever heard.”

Judge Alfred “Al” Taylor, 58, is an accomplished drummer with decades of experience. He endorses several name brand drum equipment products and teaches drum clinics for high schools and colleges.

“I’m a tough judge," he said. “I look for every detail, because I know what it takes to survive [in the music business].”

He’s looking forward to the upcoming rounds as the talent level will pick up, along with the intensity and the crowds, he said.

Click here for a competition schedule and more information.