Preston Gulledge recently participated in the state Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) solo and ensemble contest playing snare drum and flew past the competition, winning his section.

This was his fourth and last year drumming in the event, and getting past districts was the challenge. This was the first time in the four years he made it into the final round.

He was just glad to finally make it past the district stage.

“It was a huge weight off my shoulders. For state, I knew it was going to be tough, so I just wanted to show up, play my piece and head home,” said The Overlake School senior.

He couldn’t depart from Central Washington University as quickly as he wanted because when the judges posted the top-three competitors in no particular order, his name was on the list. He decided to then go to the awards ceremony, and his name was called for first place.

When Gulledge began playing drums as a kid, there was a connection.

His mother, Melody Gulledge, noted: “When he received his first drum set around the age of 8, we all went around and played it, not being able to find a beat. The moment Preston started playing, he picked it up instantly.”

His parents knew he had something special and immediately put him in lessons thanks to the encouragement of his uncle, Stan Yantis.

Preston attributes much of his success to his personal teacher, Eric Samse, who has brought him to the next level.

“Preston’s work ethic is very good. If it wasn’t, he wouldn’t have achieved what he has,” Samse said. “Preston is what we call in the music business a ‘wood shedder.’ When he practices, he puts all other distractions aside and focuses 100 percent on what he’s playing. Not many students have come through my studio with that kind of dedication.”

Preston stated proudly that Samse “is one of the most talented drummers and teachers I know, and I would never be where I am today without him.”

His mother added that “Eric says (Preston) is at a college level and has trouble finding pieces hard enough to play.”

Samse isn’t the only one who speaks highly of Preston. His music teachers at Overlake have given him glowing comments. Erin Gabriel, who works with him during the school musicals, has seen him play percussion in five musicals throughout his Overlake career.

Gabriel noted that “Preston is gifted in music and has a keen sense of rhythm. Above all, he works hard at his craft and puts in the time needed to reach his goals.”

His other music teacher, Steve Mraz, has been teaching Preston in band since the sixth grade. Mraz has seen Preston grow exponentially although he was already at a high level when he began drumming in band.

“Preston knows how to take it to the next level. He had a fantastic jazz band audition at the end of his eighth-grade year,” Mraz said.

Preston will study at the University of Washington next year.

“I don’t know if Preston’s career path includes music, but I do know if he applies the same amount of passion to whatever he chooses to do as he does to his music, he is going to be an extremely successful person,” Samse said.

Lukie Crowley is a senior at The Overlake School.