years, will hold his annual Drum Exhibition at St. Anne's Church Hall in Southampton this coming Saturday.

About 80 drummers will take part and range in age from four to 56 years old.

An important feature of the Drum Exhibition is the buffet supper that follows.

For Mr. Ming is also something of a gourmet.

"I've been playing drums since I was 21 and most of my life I've been a professional musician. I played with Johnny McAteer's band at the Inverurie Hotel for 12 years, so when I decided I needed a break from the professional musician's life, I turned to my other love.'' That love is cooking, and Mr. Ming is presently employed as the pastry chef at the Fourways Inn.

Mr. Ming says he likes to feature all of his students who attend classes at his studio in the Jackson School of Performing Arts where he teaches seven days a week. "It gives them exposure to a professional atmosphere, it inspires them to push on with their training and that makes it easier for me to work with them. But I really enjoy teaching -- every day is a challenge!'' The show will provide an exciting, if noisy end to the year-long course which commences each September. Real enthusiasts do not have to take a summer break, however, since Mr. Ming also runs summer workshops that last for a six-week period.

One of Mr. Ming's most promising students is 16-year old Therese Lowe from Warwick Academy, who has been studying the drums for a year. "I've always liked jazz and I love the rhythm and beat of the drum -- and there aren't that many female drummers around,'' she says.

Accompanist will be "Sticks'' Hubie Brown and the show will also feature The Laquita Steede Drummers and Mr. Ming's percussion ensemble, Storm. Music from Brazil, Thailand, Djakarta, Israel and Africa will all be represented.

Last year, Storm played a benefit concert for St. George's senior citizens, where they had an audience of over 2,000. His students also performed in the anuual music recital by the Jackson School of the Performing Arts and earlier this year they gave a lecture/demonstration to the children of Devon Lane School.

The Drum Exhibition takes place this Saturday with the doors of St. Anne's Church Hall opening at 6 p.m. and show-time commencing at 6.30 p.m. Tickets may only be ordered in advance ($15 and $10 for children) by telephoning 297-8422 or 292-5815.

THE DRUMMER GIRL -- Sixteen-year-old Therese Lowe takes a break during rehearsals for Eddie Ming's annual Drum Exhibition.