My name is Donovan Hem, otherwise known as “donnybaandz.” I was born in April of
2003 and was born in Oakland, CA. I am of Cambodian and Laos descent. I currently play
drums at home, in a worship band based at FirstPres Church in Hayward, CA, and the Rhythm
Cadets Drumline based in the Bay Area Alameda County with the Deputy Sheriffs Activities
League. I dream to either be a Pharmacist when I am older or a professional drummer. I have
two younger brothers, born in 2005 and 2007, making us each two years apart. I am glad to
have a supportive family and wonderful people there to help me grow as a drummer and as a
person.
In elementary school, I started to play drums starting around 8 years old. I started to take
private lessons on the weekends and started on drum set. As I progressed, at about 11 years
old, a band was formed of those who also took private lessons. We played together at small
events in front of friends and family. In middle school, I went to an arts school and started to get
into concert percussion and marching percussion. As I took my experience in playing drum set
and carried it into these other varieties of percussion, it helped me after learning how to read,
write, play, and incorporate into other styles of playing.
I play rock with the private lesson band, varieties of worship songs with the worship
band, and at home, I love to play along with Khmer songs, from Oldies to Modern Rock, which
is what I listened to growing up to now.
I am thankful to have the supporters I have, and I am thankful for Soultone Cymbals for
giving me this opportunity to grow and to be the best that I am able to be.
- Donovan Hem

Social Media:
Main Instagram: @donnybaandz
https://www.instagram.com/donnybaandz/
Drumming Account on Instagram: @moneybagzdon
https://www.instagram.com/moneybagzdon/