San Luis Obispo High School seems to be full of talented musicians, which makes it hard to stand out among the bunch. This is something that freshman drummer Noah Nelson does exceptionally well. He’s no ordinary drummer, winning county wide competitions when he was only fourteen years old. Expressions talked to Nelson about what made him this good and what inspires him to keep drumming.

  Expressions: Why did you first start drumming?

Nelson: I wanted to first start drumming I guess because after watching a bunch of old Def Leppard and Duran Duran videos on VHS in 2004. I thought it would be really fun.

  Expressions: How many drumsticks do you think you’ve broken in your ‘career’?

Nelson: I’m probably way underestimating this, but my best guess would be somewhere over 1,000 but under 2,000.

Expressions: When did you get your first drum set?

  Nelson: I got my first kit for Christmas in 2006.

Expressions: Did you teach yourself or get lessons?

Nelson: I go to lessons every week and have been ever since I began playing, and I practice at home almost every day.

Expressions: Do you play any other instruments? Which ones?

Nelson: I fool around on guitar and bass mainly and I like to sing. Honestly, I’ll probably play any musical instrument I can get my hands on.

Expressions: How many bands have you been in?

Nelson: Zero currently, but there is one in the works right now with other students that is more than just a garage jam group that I’ve had in the past…

Expressions: Preferred brand of drum ‘stuff’?

Nelson: Drums: Slingerland.
Cymbals: Zildjian.
Hardware: DW (Drum Workshop).
Heads: Remo.
Sticks: Vic Firth.

Expressions: Has drumming had a big impact on your life?

Nelson: Totally, since I’ve been playing for so long, since I was six. If it weren’t for drumming, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I probably wouldn’t have all these amazing friends and such and probably wouldn’t be as submerged in a love for music like I am now.