Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m just a regular drummer in the worship team at GTPJ. My passion is to start a Christian Arts ministry one day. I have always wanted to move into playing the drums as a full time musician, specifically for ministry purposes and hope to run a Christian recording studio as a start to fulfilling my dream and passion of taking back the arts for Christ. Hopefully from there and through the leading of the Spirit, it will flourish into a ministry where people having the same passion for music and the arts can come together to just praise God. When I say the arts, I mean every aspect of the arts from music to acting, writing, painting, multimedia, etc. In time to come, I believe God will fulfill the vision He has placed in me. It definitely is a long-term plan and I know God is bringing His people together even through the creative arts ministry to reach the lost and to praise His name. We are all created and called to be worshippers. I believe the day will come when Jesus comes back for us and we will be with Him in heaven along with the angels, praising the Father forevermore.  

How did you find out about Drummerforchrist.com?
A friend from church alerted me about the drum marathon that’s taking place in September.
  
How long have you been playing drums?
I started playing the drums when I was 13 or 14. I originally started out playing the guitar as that was my first passion. The youth group I was attending at that time did not have a drummer and I was asked to learn the drums to help out in the youth band. I figured it would be a challenge and took it on. Little did I know that it would turn out to be the true instrument of my passion. I never had formal lessons and learned to play through self-taught methods. It was only sometime mid of last year that I actually purchased my own set.

I have come to appreciate the drums as a powerful and prophetic instrument in the worship band.
  
What do you practice in drums?
I have been working on building my basics. Over the past year or so, I have been exploring and applying various grip and sticking techniques to see which fits me best. I have also been working on the basic and fundamentals of rudimentary exercises as well as groove patterns and independence.
  
How do you improve yourself besides practicing?
I try to listen to every type of music genre there is available to me. That helps me build a library of ideas and grooves that can be applied to my own style of playing. I also watch other drummers whether through videos, live concerts or drummer friends of mine to pick off their approach to drumming. I try to read up as much as I can on the net and through magazines to gain a wider variety of drumming styles to hopefully help me develop my own approach, style and sound.
 
How do you keep yourself spiritually fit?
I attend weekly prayer meetings as much as I can. I also make it a point to be at cell every Fridays. Keeping the Sabbath is an absolute must. I also try to maintain a daily devotion time to read the Word and pray. As much as possible, I try to share with my peers, leaders and pastors to maintain accountability, which helps keep me spiritually aligned.
  
Is there any particular drum and cymbal brand you play with?
Yes. Staggs and Zildjians.
  
Please explain a little about your drum kit and cymbals (if any)
I purchased my drum kit sometime mid of last year (2006). It is a 4-piece fusion kit. The kit I went for was a Gretsch (Catalina Jazz Club series) although I do love other brands such as Yamaha, DW and PDP. A number of reasons such as room space at home and finance determined my choice. I also all wanted a jazz kit in particular because it had a punchier sound to it and I have a choice to add on to the kit given that the fusion set is normally a smaller kit.

The kit came with no cymbals and I had to purchase at least a hi-hat and ride to start with. At that time, Stagg cymbals were just introduced to the Malaysian market and I had the privilege to try out the new arrivals. I picked out the black metal series for both my 20” ride and 10” hi-hat as they both had a dry sound with not too much resonance to it. A couple of months back I purchased a pair of Zildjian, A-custom, 13” hats.
  
What advice would you give to young drummers who is serving or intended to serve in the worship department?
Do not give up or look down on the talent God has given to you. Persevere and always give your best to God. Be excellent in being a drummer for Christ. Never bury your talent. Never use you talent for yourself or for the world. Always remember that it belongs to God. Remember humble beginnings. As a drummer, you are the backbone of the band. Never feel insignificant.

What do you like to do besides drums?
Sports and outdoor activities
  
Lastly, in your own words, how would you encourage more drummers to this website?
It’s time that Christians unite to take back the arts for Christ and drum the devil out of it.

Simon on Drums

Eximius concert

My Gretsch Snare