The sponsors and supporters of “Hit Like A Girl 2012”—along with a panel of celebrity drummer judges that includes the legendary Sheila E, Jess Bowen (The Summer Set), Susie Ibarra (Mundo Niños), Dawn Richardson (4 Non-Blondes), Kimberly Thompson (independent), and Hannah Ford (Bellevue Suite)—are proud to announce the winners of the first ever drumming contest for girls and women.

“With so many great players to choose from, picking the top three drummers was nearly impossible; let alone choosing the top one,” comments Sheila E. “This year all the women and girls who participated really raised the bar. However, we felt that D’Arcus’ incredible drumming skills, musicianship, passion and dedication made her the best of the best.”

Named Hit Like A Girl 2012’s Grand Prize winner, D’Arcus “dbaby” Curry (USA) (above, left), will receive a complete drumset package featuring Crush drums, TRX cymbals, Vater drumsticks, Evans drumheads, SKB cases and an assortment of books and DVDs from Alfred Music valued at more than $6,000. De’Arcus was born and raised in Jackson, MS, is 23 years old and has been playing the drums for about six years. In addition to her brothers, De’Quan and David Curry III, she lists Calvin Rogers, Aaron Spears, Rex Hardy Jr., Spanky and Vinnie Colaiuta as her major drumming influences. Advertisement

Angieszka “AgaDrummer” Matusczak (Poland) (above, center) was selected as the second place winner and will receive prizes from TRX, Vater, Evans, SKB and Alfred worth $2,500. Angieska is 24 and has been drumming seven years. In addition to playing the drums, she also sings, composes and plays piano. Her favorite drummers include Vinnie Colaiuta, Virgil Donati, Steve Smith, Peter Erskine, Dennis Chambers, Carter Beauford, Antonio Sanchez, Cezary Konrad, Rod Morgenstein and Chad Smith.

25 years old and a drummer for ten years, third place winner, Karmi Santiago (Philippines) (above, right), will receive $1,500 worth of drumming gear from TRX, Vater, Evans, SKB and Alfred. “I’m into almost every genre of drumming,” Karmi says. “Jazz, classical, soul, pop, rock, alternative. My love for music is constant and I strive to become a better musician every day.”

In its inaugural year, Hit Like A Girl 2012 received hundreds of video entries from female drummers as young as 8 and as old as 55 and based in 30 countries around the world.