Nakaniida elementary band
Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching a local elementary school brass band concert (not my own school, the other one in my town). This is a group that goes to nationals every year. This year they had won a gold. They put most high school bands I've seen to shame.
They did some medley stuff with 60s and 70s rock, and a couple big band pieces, but the real highlight of the show was a pair of drummer prodigies. Both of these kids were pro-level, no joke. There was a segment where small groups would play etudes or solo over a recording, and despite the fact that they were nervous as hell they did a good job. But the drummers did a very technical jazz drum piece with triplet 16ths ping-ponging between the two (one person plays the first two notes of the triplet, the next plays the next note and the one following it). My jaw was on the floor. They nailed the rhythm perfectly. And the best part about it was the grin on the short 5th grader's face as he got that magical focused look, the one that tells you he's not just playing the instrument anymore, he's playing music.
I hope he goes on to play for a professional jazz group, and he'd better be getting private lessons from a pro, because that kid is gonna be a legend if he keeps that up.
