Mom encouraged music in general at a young age.
At the end of grade school, I was planning on switching from trumpet to drums for the school band. This kid who was a year older than me had a kit, and I watch him play it, staring at the drums more than a Farrah Fawcett poster. One day, he got a new set of blue Ludwig Vistalites. I asked him if I could buy his kit, but he said he sold it.
Not too long after that, on Christmas, I had that drum kit wit new heads all around. It even had a little cymbal on a stand from the top of the bass drum. Don't know what she paid for it, but I heard the cymbal alone was $100. With three kids, the sacrifice to make this happen was not small.
She drove me long distances to weekly lessons, rehearsals, etc. until I could drive myself.
She was the president of the marching band organization for the years that I was active.
When it came time to consider college, she suggested that I major in Percussion Arts. It got me in the door.
Thanks, Mom!