CETH-0154
Surasak Poonsawat
THAILAND

Mr. Surasak Poonsawat embarked on his musical journey at the age of 13 while attending Mahatai Suksa School (Northeastern Region), where he started as a snare drummer. His talent quickly became evident on the competitive stage. In 2007, he won a Gold Medal and the 1st Runner-up award at the Yamaha All Thailand competition. The following year, he switched to the tenor drum for the Department of Physical Education’s competition, securing the 1st Prize Championship.

In 2009, Surasak moved to Surasakmontree School for his high school education, joining the renowned Surasakmontree Brass Band as a tenor drummer. That same year, he competed internationally at the 16th World Music Contest (WMC) in Kerkrade, Netherlands, helping the band achieve a Gold Medal with Distinction and a 1st Runner-up placement. His success continued locally in 2010 and 2011 with top finishes at the Thailand World Music Championships (TWMC). During this period, he also began his career as a composer, arranging music for the "Zoneteen Drumline by Surasakmontree" and Wanrat Suksa School. In 2011, he added another championship to his record by winning the Yamaha All Thailand competition with the Pattaya City band.

Surasak continued to refine his skills and expand his professional experience between 2012 and 2017. He successfully auditioned for the Citrus Family Drumline in 2012 and MAX Percussion Theater in 2013. With MAX Percussion, he competed on the global stage at WGI in Dayton, USA, and later won the Championship at the 2014 CGN Championships in the Netherlands. In 2013, he returned to the WMC in the Netherlands as both an assistant instructor and performer for Surasakmontree School, this time securing the World Championship title. Throughout these years, he also began mentoring the next generation, leading teams like Udom Suksa School and Nexus Indoor Percussion to multiple victories in the Thailand Drumline Contest (TDC).

After graduating with a bachelor's degree from Sripatum University in 2018, Surasak broadened his artistic scope by joining the cast of "Nanta," a famous Korean non-verbal comedy show featuring rhythm and percussion, performing in both Korea and Thailand. By 2020, he had established himself as a prominent instructor and music arranger. His work with Sacred Heart Convent School earned them a Gold Medal Championship at the BCT competition, where he was personally honored with the "Best Music Arranger" award.

Currently, Surasak balances a dual career in education and professional performance. He continues to serve as the Drumline instructor for Sacred Heart Convent School while working as a professional backup drummer for well-known Thai artists, including Palaphol and Touch Na Takuatung. He is currently the drummer for the artist Cham Chamram.

 

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