Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: COUNT (01/27/22)
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TITLE: A Pitch And A Pound | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
02/02/22 -
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“Everyone, put down your instruments,” I called, to no avail.
“Stop!” My arms waved over my head to get my student’s attention.
Then finally.
Silence.
I inhaled deeply and dropped my arms. “Well,” was the only word I could manage.
The boys and girls stared at me, as several shifted in their chairs.
“I think most of us played well, Mrs. Perry,” said sixth-grader, Emily. “There’s only one person that can’t count.”
“Is that so, Miss Emily.” I stepped toward her. “According to my ears, no one in this band counted correctly and the pitch was off. It’s inappropriate to blame one person for the results of that song.”
Emily blushed and looked away.
“It was Toby on the drums!” cried Alex on tuba. “Everyone knows he can’t count.”
My fists clenched as my heart rate increased. I glanced at our bass drummer, who barely cleared the top of the drum. His crimson face was cast down while he gripped the sides of the large drum.
I walked to one side of the practice room then returned to the other, taking in deep breaths. “Let me remind all of you that you are a band. Each person plays an instrument in the band to make music that flows. Everyone contributes, and everyone is important. To single out one person for the entire band will not be allowed or tolerated. Is that clear?”
Heads ducked and feet shuffled.
The final school bell of the day blared, and the beginner band students quickly exited out the door.
Toby, the bass drummer, stepped off the drum platform while leaning on his cane. He slung his pack over one shoulder and limped past me toward the door.
“Toby.” He turned but stared at his feet.
“I’m sorry the other students singled you out. No one was playing well. The count was off and the pitch was frankly, quite horrible.” I walked toward him.
“I don’t know, Mrs. Perry. I think they’re right. I don’t belong here. Maybe I should quit.”
“Please don’t feel that way. Everyone is needed in this band. What would we do without a bass drum?”
“Sound better.” He turned and walked out the door.
With a sigh, I plopped into the desk chair and dropped my head into my hands. “Lord, what am I to do? The students are so cruel to Toby.” A tear rolled down my cheek at the memory of Toby’s embarrassment. An idea came to mind as I prayed. I sat up. “Thanks, Lord.”
I grabbed my phone and dialed Toby's home number.
“Hello, is this Toby’s mother? This is Mrs. Perry, Toby’s band teacher. I was wondering if you would permit me to give Toby private drum lessons after school?” After a brief conversation, I hung up and smiled.
The next day Toby remained in the classroom as the rest of the students left.
“I hope you’ll like lessons on drums, Toby. I also took lessons and I’m excited to share what I know with you.”
He leaned on his cane and nodded.
I winked and grinned. “The first thing we’ll work on is counting. How does that sound?”
A smile grew across his face. “Sounds great.”
***
After many weeks of band practice, lectures on kindness, and treating others as you would like to be treated, I announced a surprise to the class.
“The Memorial day assembly is coming up in three months. This band is going to play the Star-Spangled Banner.” As I walked across the front of the classroom I looked pointedly at each student. “It will take a lot of practice. You will do that at home and together here. Remember, we are one band and everyone is important. Do I make myself clear?”
"Yes, Mrs. Perry,” answered the students as they opened their new sheet music.
I then motioned for Toby to take his place. He moved to his new position.
Alex on tuba took notice of Toby. “What’s he doing on the snare drums? This will be terrible!”
With a nod from me to Toby, he set aside his cane, and played the snare drums solo and with gusto.
When he finished the class stared with their mouths open.
I gave him a thumbs up. Way to go,Toby,way to go!
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It held my attention and interest all the way through.
Well done.
Blessings~