A self-taught teenage drummer from Northampton has beaten thousands of others to the title of ‘Young Drummer of the Year’ in a national competition, despite never having owned his own drum kit.

Jeramie Animan first took an interest in percussion as a toddler but only discovered his talent as a drummer when he joined the congregation of the Mount Olive Evangelical Ministry Gospel Church in Northampton after moving to the town from Italy three years ago.

Not owning his own drum kit, Jeramie relied on the support of his church, who gave him permission to use the church facilities in Kingsfield Close, including the band’s drum kit, whenever he wanted.

Within just three years the Northampton College Performing Arts student has already made a name for himself, out-performing thousands of other entrants to win The Young Drummer of the Year 2022 title.

The competition, now in its 20^th year, is open annually to drummers aged under 16. This year entry was extended to under 17s due to the postponement of last year’s competition as a result of the pandemic.

Jeramie said: “This is such an achievement for me – the fact I didn’t even own a drum kit, I was relying on the generosity of the gospel church to allow me to use their facilities. My biggest secret throughout the process was putting God first. When I started putting God first it’s like everything fell into place.

“When I was told I had reached the top 10, I was given a two-minute track to perform. It was a rock track, and I’m a gospel drummer so I observed the rock drummers at college to find out their skills and watch what they do so that I could work it into my individual performance.

“Music is my passion and I can always be found at the church practicing and developing my skills.

“My dream in music is to become a professional drummer and stage manager. I don’t just want to stick to drums in general, I want to learn about the other side of things, all aspects of music performance.”

The Young Drummer of the Year competition 2022 was organised by professional drummer Mike Dolbear and sponsored by Gretsch Drums, Paiste Cymbals, GEWA Bags and Cases and Gibraltar Hardware.

From more than 2,000 entries, a shortlist of 40 finalists is drawn up from which the top 10 are chosen to perform in front of a panel of professional players and music industry heavyweights.

Previous winners and finalists have gone on to have professional careers working with musicians such as Jamie Cullum, Little Mix, Rita Ora and Bryan Ferry.

Jeramie, who was awarded with a trophy and a drum kit from one of the competition sponsors, Gretsch Drums, added: “Owning a drum kit will make a world of a difference to me.”

For more information about music and performing arts courses available at Northampton College, visit https://www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk

Should you require any further information, please contact:

Daniel Owens, PR & Communications Consultant

Tel: 07909 916668

Email: daniel.owens@northamptoncollege.ac.uk

Background to Northampton College

Northampton College is one of the top performing colleges in the country and the leading provider of Further Education in the South East Midlands, with around 9,000 students and a turnover of more than £30 million. It offers a broad range of full-time and part-time courses, many funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Northampton College was rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding Features’ in the latest Ofsted inspection.