Natural-Born Drummer

 Natural-Born Drummer

    Travis had a habit of drumming on surfaces with his fingers, with pencils, and even chopsticks. Several times a day, Travis's parents, teachers, and friends commented about his constant drumming.

    Therefore, Travis's parents were astonished that on the day before Travis was to try out for the school band, he was uncertain about which instrument he wanted to play. So Travis and his father went to a local music store to generate some ideas. Travis browsed the selection of rental instruments, picking up a flute and handling the keys, then examining a trombone. On impulse, he chose a saxophone and tried blowing into it. But the sound that emerged was a pitiful honk, like a wounded goose. Then Travis asked to try another instrument--the drums. He had never played drums before, but he'd certainly had plenty of drumming practice.

    The next morning at school, Travis appeared at the doorway of Mr. Blees's classroom for the tryout. Mr. Blees called on Travis and pointed to a drum set in the corner of the room. He listened carefully as Travis experimented with different beats and rhythms on the drums. When Travis had finished, Mr. Blees smiled. "You're a natural-born drummer," he said, "and you've got a spot in the school band."