The drums just might be one of the most sought after instruments that people would love to learn how to play.
Right alongside the guitar and the piano, the drums have been all the rave for aspiring musicians. And just like all great artists, they have to start somewhere.
For many of them, that “somewhere” is in a school band class. Sometimes looked at as a place for the “odd,” it’s proven to be well worth the time. Many of the world’s greatest musicians began their musical journeys in a band room.
From Kurt Cobain, Lionel Richie, and Tommy Lee, the list of names is quite impressive.
One of the best ways to showcase your talents to your peers is at school concerts. It’s an opportunity where the introverted and shy can show the entire student body the gifts that very few knew that they possessed.
Washougal High School in Washougal, Washington held a concert for their community in 2011 where both students and parents were blown away by the percussion ensemble’s performance.
Nine students performed the popular piece “The Exam” or “Tentan” in Swedish by Johan Bodin Eriksson.
It’s a fun piece that always wins over an audience mainly because the entire song is performed without a single instrument. What’s more, is that every member is a character. It’s definitely a piece that has to be seen to be believed.
To start the video, nine desks line the stage. From the moment the students walk out, they are in character.
There are the “nerds,” the “jocks,” and the “slackers” amongst other “types.”
The person recording the video is just as intrigued as other audience members even before the performance begins. They laugh as the students perform various tasks familiar to their characters.
One of the best moments is at the beginning when the “nerd” trips on his way out to the stage and drops all of his books over the floor.
Shortly after the students are seated, the “teacher” comes out and begins setting a sheet of paper in front of each of the students. Once she tells the students that they may begin, they take her instructions quite literally.
At first, you might not even realize that they began until you notice that they are all “sniffing” in unison. Before you know it, a beat is being pounded out on a desk. All that is used is a pencil, pen, and a palm.
In between the beat, students look over onto their neighbor’s papers and fiddle with their hair. Then, the clicking of some pens is added.
At this point, it’s difficult not to start bobbing your head to the beat.
Suddenly, the students slam their hands on the table and yell “Yes!” as if the right answer crept into their minds. Their pens and pencils tap rapidly in rhythmic motion.
Then they stop and think aloud, “hmm,” again in unison. It’s a fun and unpredictable skit. So much so that you don’t even sense that the loud, “No!” is coming.
Like all frustrated students, they announce, “I can’t take it anymore” before throwing their exams to the floor and slamming their heads onto the desk.
The audience starts to clap but the students aren’t finished yet. They start a new beat by beating on their desks and clapping their hands. Needless to say, things get pretty intense.
The audience thoroughly enjoys watching the percussionists rock out to the new sound.
The students end their routine once the school bell sounds. Saved by the bell, the students hurriedly make their way out of the class.
This is definitely a unique take on student and band life. Job well done, class!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
