From Exercise to a Dream

Practicing for Easter. Photo taken by Kelly Trapane

I have always loved the drums and wanted to play them. Those who know me well, know my favorite musician of all time is Phil Collins. He started that fire in me to play the drums. Unfortunately, I was thwarted...

When I was about to start middle school, we were told that we could have an elective class. I knew what it was going to be without question. I approached my mom and said I wanted to join the band. She said, "What instrument do you want to play?" I told her, "the drums!" She immediately shut that down and informed me that she had listened to my brother play the saxophone (which was loud) and wanted me to play a softer instrument like the flute... So, from 6th grade to my freshman year of college, I played the flute. I never had a passion for it, but it did get me out of gym class in high school. That was a plus!

Several years ago, when my health was declining, changes had to be made to improve my condition. A friend had told me about a cardio drumming class she really enjoyed and said I should try it. When I walked into the building and saw a bunch of buckets with exercise balls in them, I thought, this is going to be interesting. I grabbed a pair of drumsticks and fell in love with this form of exercise. If I wasn't going to play real drums, this would at least scratch that itch.

Two months ago, I went to my husband and said I wanted to buy some hand drums. Originally, I was thinking about the djembes, but when we went to the music shop, I saw a pair of congas and started playing them. I knew they were the ones and they were going to be used for music at our church and would be my accompaniment. I have felt God calling me to music again and He stirred this desire for the drums. When I was younger, the timing was not right for me to play them. It is now! I have a lot to learn, but I am going to enjoy every moment of the process.

You never know where inspiration is going to come from. I never dreamed it would be from exercise, but I am thankful for it. Easter Sunday, I lead our church with my first song on the drums, "How Great is Our God." It has been over twelve years since I have lead music and to be honest with you, I never thought I would do it again. We will see where He leads me.

Ecclesiastes 3:1- " For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." The time is now.

Me and my drums on Easter. Jael is on the left and Ruth is on the right. We are just getting started! Video by Mr. Grumble