Drum Roll for Tara

Many congratulations to Wellington College fifth former Tara, who has just competed in the finals of the National Young Drummer of the Year competition. The competition, open to all drummers under the age of 17, attracted 300 entrants, before being whittled down to a short list of 40, with only 10 then going through to the final. Tara, the only girl in the final, impressed the professional judges with her rhythmic and high-energy set.

She first gave notice of her talent when just three years old and enjoys performing on a wide range of percussive instruments. As well as excelling on the drum kit (she passed her Grade 8 Rock School syllabus with Distinction), she is also highly skilled on two traditional Indian instruments, the tabla and dholak. Throw in timpani and xylophone for the school orchestra, cowbells and bongos in the Jazz Band, and military drums in the Drum Corps, it is no wonder that she estimates she spends at least eight hours a week drumming.

After taking her GCSEs this summer (she is aiming for 8s and 9s across the board), Tara wants to study Latin and the Sciences for A Level, as well as continuing to enjoy all the musical opportunities here: “I love the variety at Wellington” she says: “there is always something to do, and I like the way I get to spend enough time on my main passion, as well as exploring all sorts of new experiences!”