Peyton's Place: At The Drums. Sanford first-grader makes cautious move into the world of rock 'n' roll. By Tami Wells, Journal Tribune Staff Writer - Friday, April 21, 2000
From a distance, you probably only see the top of her head over the drum set.
Peyton MacPhail, 7, will make her official debut this Saturday night at The Falls Music Hall in Sanford with her Dad's band, Zander. She'll be the one with the sticks in her hands, banging away at the drums, and making them rock. And her ending flourishes are amazing.
Zander, a group of three musicians who only get together occasionally now, according to Alex MacPhail, will be the opening act preceding the bands Tootsie and Riot Act.
It's a big step for a little girl, and one her parents, Alex and Jennifer were at first reluctant to take. But the couple plan to monitor her music career carefully and slowly.
Peyton has been playing drums for two years and also enjoys the keyboard. And there may be other instruments in her future as well. "I love to do the drums and I like the keyboard too. I really want to play the violin, I heard it's hard to do" she says. Her voice is a little deep and husky and one wonders if she sings as well. If not now, then perhaps someday.
One instrument she has no interest in is the guitar, even though her Dad gives lessons.
During a practice session earlier in the week, Peyton was a study of concentration as she sat behind the drums. Sticks in hand, her face revealed the intensity she feels for the music as her Dad played acoustic guitar behind her.
There have been no lessons.
"I juts watch my Dad and get on the drums and do it" the first-grader says matter-of-factly. "I'm not scared out on stage".
Matter-of-factly is the correct description. Though she just turned 7 in February, she is pretty straightforward about her ability and the fact she'll be on stage this weekend. There have been other music dates. Earlier this year, Peyton and Alex entertained 70 youngsters and their families at Springvale Public Library. And just so she could get used to being under the lights, Zander invited the youngster to Play the last song at a gig at The Falls last weekend where they entertained for the United Bikers of Maine party. Her first words after the applause was over was a delighted "Mom, they were all dancing".
The MacPhail's moved to the area in 1991. A New Englander, Alex attended the Los Angeles-based Musicians Institute and now teaches guitar and owns a promotion company in Springvale. Jennifer is employed as an Activities Director. Peyton is an only child and while the couple are extremely proud of her ability and interest in the music industry, it's not easy to let one so young become so involved.
"I was against the whole thing to begin with" her mother says. "I felt it would put too much pressure on her. I felt she was too young to perform."
The drums are set up in the basement (see above picture) of the family home, where Alex keeps the computer that he uses to generate news releases and other promotionals for his business. Posters of various rock bands line the walls, and Peyton has a few favorite musicians of her own. "I like Shania, Elton John, Bob Seger and the Stones."
Think about it. Mick jagger is old enough to be her grandfather.
When you listen to her perform, it's hard to realize she is so young, that she's a little girl who likes going to the circus and watching the trapeze artists perform. Who likes to play softball and soccer and being in the first-grade at Carl J. Lamb School. Who likes listening to classical music.
"It all comes naturally," says her mother. "It's like she's got the feeling for it."
Acknowledging the music industry has it's darker side, Alex summed it up this way: "When she comes of age, I'd rather see her on this side of it, the positive side, than the other."
In the meantime, there's time for family activities like camping. And she wants to go to a rock 'n' roll concert, but, her parents agree, she's a little young.
"After this show, we'll work on other things down the road," Alex says, perhaps music dates like a gig at Stroudwater Books Cafe in Portsmouth, N.H.
"I don't want to push her, but we'll keep her involved," he says.
Peyton knows what she wants.
"Someday I hope I'll be better than any other drummer I see," she says.
And when she's older, she wants to be a veterinarian ans take care of dogs and cats.
Rock on.