Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshall Hall, III.
Hi Marshall, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in 2004 in the city of Atlanta, a gift was born—and that gift just so happened to be me. From the crib to the cradle, I was always beating on things left and right. I grew up in church at my home church, Smyrna Word of Life Baptist Church, in Atlanta Georgia, where my family sang, participated in church events, and supported the ministry that my Grandad pursued. Through it all, we loved God and His people.
At the age of 2, my Grandfather, Rev. Howard Price, Jr., bought me my very first drum set—not only because I was constantly beating on everything around me, but because he saw potential in me even at such a young age. From that moment on, I have been playing drums ever since.
My parents enrolled me in private drum lessons with one of my mentors, Byron Ferguson, who taught me the foundational fundamentals of the drum set. Once I entered middle school, I was introduced to the Atlanta Drum Academy (ADA), directed by my other mentor, James Riles III. This was a completely different arena for me, as I was transitioning from drum set into a MEAC-style drumline environment where there was no drum set involved.
At first, I hated it because it was not what I had envisioned for myself. However, through the teachings and guidance of Mr. Riles, I grew to love the drumline experience. That experience ultimately afforded me opportunities to perform for various artists, celebrities, and music industry producers, including Usher, Steve Harvey, Brian Michael Cox, Tyler Perry, and the Atlanta Dream, just to name a few.
Because of my time with ADA, I later had the opportunity to play with the drumline at Charles Drew High School, where I met another mentor of mine, Aaron Jackson. From that point forward, he helped cultivate not only my individual sound, but also my understanding of what it meant to contribute to the sound of an entire drumline. Under such impactful leadership, it became evident that I had the skills necessary to compete and perform at a high level once I arrived at Stockbridge High School.
As a freshman, I served as the quint section leader for the “Black Ice Drumline” under the direction of Aaron Jackson. Each year brought growth and new lessons. During my sophomore year, I became Co-Section Leader of the drumline, and by my junior and senior years, I served as Section Leader under the instruction of Brandon Stanley and Marvin Isaac, alongside band director Jerrod Perry.
Being involved in these various drumlines taught me much more than musicianship. They taught me the value of community, leadership, communication, confidence, and discipline. As a drummer, especially a drum set player, those qualities are essential because the drummer helps lead the band and drive the overall direction of the music.
Throughout high school, I also played at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, the first church where I ever served as a drummer. During that time, I was introduced to my first band, Under21 the Band, under the direction of Jorel “JFly” Flynn. This opportunity allowed me to expand my understanding beyond drums and into the worlds of music business, showmanship, performance, and vision. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to play, direct, and assist for artists such as Angie Stone, Karyn White, Tony Hightower, and Tito Jackson.
Transitioning from high school into college was a major adjustment and, at first, a difficult one. Coming from the fast-paced environment of Atlanta and moving to Murfreesboro to attend Middle Tennessee State University significantly slowed things down for me. Initially, I did not have a church to play for or a band to be involved with. Over time, however, opportunities began to open. I became involved with the MTSU Band of Blue Pep Band, the Commercial Music Ensemble, and several churches throughout the Middle Tennessee area.
In addition, I currently serve as the president of the Middle Tennessee College Choir. In this role, I not only help direct business matters, but I also teach harmonies, play drums, occasionally sing, and support the group in every way possible.
Today, I serve at First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro as both the drummer and a licensed minister. Following in my Grandfather’s footsteps, I answered the call God placed on my life to minister. My Grandad was my pastor, and he passed away in 2018. Knowing that he saw me not only as a drummer, but also as a man of God, means the world to me.
Outside of ministry and school, I am also a member of the band Tim Miner & Friends based in Nashville. Many people ask me, “Did you see any of this happening for you so quickly within these four years?” Honestly, my answer is no. This is simply the life that God had planned for me since November 6, 2004, and I am grateful that I chose to follow Him and allow Him to order my steps.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been the smoothest road. Growing up, my sisters consistently made straight A’s in school and rarely received anything below that. I did as well, up until high school. That was the season where I really began to discover who “Trey” was. I realized that I was not meant to be perfect or follow someone else’s path. I was meant to do my best and walk the path that I created for myself, not by anyone else.
Because of that, my journey has looked very different from those around me. Pursuing a career in music can be challenging because there is not always a clearly defined path or guaranteed opportunities when it comes to being a drummer or producer. One thing that I have learned is that it is all about who you know in this industry. Even so, I have continued to push forward despite the odds. I have a vision for my life and career, and I remain committed to pursuing it wholeheartedly.
In addition to music, being a minister has also come with its own set of challenges. The spiritual attacks, comparisons, and pressures that come with being a young minister are very real. To be honest, it is not always easy, but it is not impossible. I am grateful that I can be a vessel to show other young men and women, boys and girls, that serving God is completely okay and that there is nothing wrong with it. You can still be yourself without changing for the crowd, while remaining bold in who you are and Whose you are. There have been difficult moments along the way, but through it all, I have continued to persevere by leaning on the strength of God.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Since the age of 14, I have earned the majority of my income through music, whether by playing drums, working concerts, or interning at music camps. As a drummer, I have had the opportunity to play at churches in Atlanta and Murfreesboro. In addition to church ministry, I have also performed with various bands, and all of these opportunities have been good to me financially
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is being able to pay for nearly all four years of my college education through music alone. Growing up, I was often told that I would not be able to make a living from music, so being able to use my gift to help pay my college tuition means a great deal to me. It is something I take tremendous pride in.
I believe what truly sets me apart is my heart. There may be people who are more talented than me in different areas, but one thing that has always defined me is the way I care for people. I love deeply, and that love pushes me to strive to be my best no matter what is happening around me. I have a genuine heart for both people and music—it is simply a part of who I am. That passion fuels my creativity, my playing, and my overall purpose.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have mentioned several of my mentors, but one person who has poured into me beyond just music is drummer Jeff Pegues. Through a great friend and brother of mine, Quintin Coleman, who has also played a vital role in my life, we connected, and since then he has poured so much wisdom, encouragement, and life into me.
My family, friends, and my beautiful girlfriend have always been in my corner, encouraging and supporting me along the way. Through the dark times and difficult trials, they have remained by my side and continuously uplifted me. My parents, Arvia Hall and Marshall Hall Jr., have invested so much into my dreams, and I will forever be grateful for their sacrifices and support.
Most importantly, God has continued to push me beyond my limits and exceed my expectations. I am incredibly grateful to be called His child and to know that He continually provides for me every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetreyhall
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DaGXkxkGx/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thetreyhall
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetreyhall
