Boy drummer

IT was no surprise when nine-year-old Gabriel Lucas Khaw De Leon asked for an electronic drum set as a reward for doing well in exams.

After all, he has an indefatigable passion for music. He recently aced the UK-based Trinity Guildhall Rock School Grade 8 drum examinations.

Gabriel was only nine years, three months and 29 days when he took the exam which would make the SK St Xaviers (branch) student the youngest Malaysian to accomplish such a feat.

Father Ronald Vic Cristobal De Leon is an accomplished musician himself who has performed at countless functions with his band De Leon Jazz Experience.

However, the band lacks a full-time drummer. That was the cue for Gabriel to start learning the drums in 2006, with the ultimate aim to fill that role.

Besides the drums, Gabriel also plays the bass guitar, violin and organ.

“I listen to a lot of music and try to get a good feel of it. But most important is hard work and lots of practice every day,” Gabriel said, adding that he hopes to be a professional musician.

A fan of jazz and rock music, Gabriel recently met two of his idols — highly acclaimed drummers Dave Weckl and Sonny Emory– during an event in the Philippines.

He has been accepted into the Penang State Orchestra and is now its youngest member, taking over the mantle from elder brother Ronald Vincenzo, 11. Both are also members of the school band.

Away from the music scene, Gabriel loves playing computer games, soccer and basketball and he also excels academically.