Hi, my name is Mary Wenskunas and I have been told I can’t when I absolutely CAN!!I have been playing drums since I was 7 years old and I have “grown” up in a multitude of praise bands.
As a kid, I started off in the kid’s church praise band which in turn followed with me playing for the youth band at the age of 10. I was picked on a lot because of being so young in an older environment and for being a girl. I kept on pushing through it though. Then my family and I moved to First Church oh the Nazarene where I was eager to start playing again. My first day there I hopped on and was instantly apart of their youth band.
Months went by and we became members of the church and the senior pastor asked me if I would like to play in the adult praise band. Of course I said YES!! Well I was in for a big surprise on my first day of practice. They already had a drummer and he (Brian) was not the nicest guy in the world. He never gave me a chance and put me on bongos and etc. for over a year! Now I was 14 so I thought it was just as cool, but then we got a new worship pastor who could not stand female musicians!! I was ridiculed a lot and he didn’t want me in the praise band at all, but I stuck with it.
One day I finally got my chance to shine, and our pastor loved it! He then put me on the schedule and not the other drummer!! I was thrilled, Brian was not. He left the church in anger leaving me the drums!! I was happy but sad at the same time. Our worship pastor was fired and we now have a new pastor…. her name is Cathy!! I love having a female in charge…WOOT WOOT!
I now play drums every Sunday and it’s been that way for over 2 years now! I plan on becoming a professional drummer in the christian music industry. I have even been offered an audition with Britt Nicole!! I am so thankful for my talents and I give all the glory to God! Don’t ever give up on your dreams and don’t ever stop because your a girl!!! Tear it up!!
Love, Mary
10 comments
D. Mark Agostinelli
Well, I’ve been teaching my daughter how to play the drums. It was my long time dream to teach her. Being that I have been a music teacher for many years, I find it to be important. Also I wrote a book recently, if anyone is interested in learning all the known rudiments that exist today, then check out my book on Amazon. It’s call “The Drum Ridiment Bible” by D. Mark Agostinelli.
Rawry
Woop! X2
You go girl, Mary!
I always wanted to be a drummer ever since I was 13. And then 3 years later I had a drum set. I always wanted one and I’ve been practising with my hands, chopsticks etc before I had it. I got a good quality set for 200 instead of 1400. My family doesnt thave much money. I believe God gave me that set at the right time (good things comes to those who wait)
Karen Carpenter is my inspiration! I love her chops and her velvet voice
I also “join” a worship band but I haven’t played yet. We have 3 drummers including me. The only female drummer. I hope I get to play someday. When I’m ready I’ll play :)
I thank the Lord for giving me a wonderful talent. I want to use it for His glory :D
I also
gretchen
Samantha – don’t be discouraged over one event. Successful people will tell you they are successful because they kept trying and they never gave up. Be persistent. In the arts, everything is subjective. That means in order to “succeed” you have to match someone’s opinion. It’s not necessarily about looks. They may be looking for a certain “look” for a specific part, but that is not a reflection on you. Keep doing what you love…that is what it means to be successful anyway. It doesn’t matter what other people think. ;)
Samantha
What do you suggest i do if i want to be an actress?? i performed in a talent inc. thingy and i got no callbacks. I thought i stood out alot. My dad said they dont go for the cte brown headed girl with the blue eyes…….they go for the girl with the bright orange hair with the big eyes and floppy girls……Do you think im not sucessful because of my looks?
gretchen
Yeah I know. I have a video of her actually playing and doing some drum solos. She had some chops!
Lisa
She’s the best. I honestly love her. Too bad they put her out in front without the drums
gretchen
I love Karen. I have all their albums. No joke.
Lisa
Karen Carpenter played the drums.
mary
hahahaaa yeah!! thanks Gretchen!! I’m glad I have you to vouch for me!! thanks for helping me share my story!!!!! :)
gretchen
Well I can totally vouch for Mary’s attitude, having known her personally for several years. ;)
Mary – you’re on the right path. Stick with your dreams and practice hard. I’m certain we will hear more from you soon. :)>-