Children make homemade drums from pots dragged from kitchen cabinets and tap out a beat. Dreams of becoming a famous musician rush through the mind. These dreams usually fade, but senior Isaac Lee is now fulfilling this childhood dream. “I just always wanted to play the drums — it’s something I really, really wanted to do inside,” said Lee. “So when I got the chance, I did it.” Three years ago, Lee earned enough money to buy himself his first set of drums. “I had to get a job and buy a drum set for myself,” said Lee. “It was a beater, an old drum set from the ‘60s that was deteriorated, but I played on it and practiced a lot.” For two years, Lee practiced on his own. He felt he was behind other drummers his age, so he sought instruction from Bigfork performer Jack Waller, who has been teaching music for more than 20 years. “He is extremely gifted. God blessed him with talent and ability,” said Waller. “He’s bright, alert and has good vision for his life.” Lee decided to attend FHS this year after he became frustrated with the music program at Bigfork High School. He now plays in the FHS marching band and jazz band. “I’m always excited about the students who come to make use of our music program,” said FHS band director Allen Slater. “Isaac is a very talented young man.” Besides playing music for FHS, Lee is looking for an outside band with which to play. “Between my friends and me, we have some recording equipment, so we put some tracks down on tape,” said Lee. “We didn’t go into the studio to cut a demo tape or anything, but that’s not far off into the future.” Lee’s goal is to attend the Drummer’s Collective, a drumming school in New York. “I want to develop my skills and knowledge in music,” said Lee. “As long as I’m playing with people, it’s going to give me experience and better my future in drums.” |
