As you know, Rooster has been in band for the last two years.
When he joined up his Sophomore year, he had very little experience reading music. He’s a play-by-ear kind of kid. He felt fortunate to make cymbals that first year, and he certainly learned a lot and got some fabulous arm muscles in the process.
Last year, he made tenors, and I watched as his skills improved weekly.
There were a lot of ups and downs this year in band, and Rooster gave serious thought to not trying out for his senior year.
Things changed a couple of months ago, and Rooster got his band mojo back. He eagerly awaited the day of tryouts.
That day came on Thursday.
Rooster had a goal…
To make snares.
He worked hard. I frequently heard him practicing in his room in between games on XBox Live.
I think he might have thrown a little bit of studying in there somewhere.
The Mr. and I eagerly awaited Rooster’s arrival home. With him driving now, there’s no car ride in which to chat.
The Mr. went so far as to drive by the school, hoping to catch an earful of that wonderful drumming music. Instead, he saw the kids walking back inside (they had been drumming outside).
Finally, Rooster sent me a text that let me know he was on his way home.
Two minutes later, he arrived (we live next door to the school).
He had made it.
Duh.
No.
He had made snares.
He had the blisters on his fingers to prove it.
My sweet boy, who, while in middle school (only a few short years ago) had watched Podunk High School’s drumline play during football games and decided that he wanted to be a part of the fun, had reached his goal.
He had worked hard, and the payoff was worth it.
I am so excited for him.
I am also incredibly proud of him.
Rooster tends to be a shy kind of kid.
It takes a lot of guts to try out for a high school band when you never played in middle school.
I am going to remember his example whenever I get discouraged and feel like quitting in my quest to reach my own goals.
Rooster, I love you and want you to know that you truly are a one-of-a-kind guy. I am proud to be called your Mama.
Filed under: children | Tagged: high school band, teenagers | 3 Comments »
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