Title: "Memories of What Never Was"
Author: bohowriter
Setting: season 5 (after Andy and Dwight's "jam session" at the end of "Michael Scott Paper Company"), and mostly set in a flashback to 1983.
Summary: In short, how a young Andy Bernard learned to play the banjo.
Author's Note: The title comes from Steve Martin's song "Daddy Played the Banjo." Basically this whole idea came from listening to an interview with Ed Helms on NPR's "Fresh Air." Helms said that the Office writers thought it would be funny to incorporate his banjo-playing into the show, but that there is really no good reason why Andy Bernard – a privileged, yuppie boy from Connecticut – would even be a banjo player to begin with. I thought that was an interesting perspective, so I wanted to create a possible background. There's pretty much nothing in the show to support this, but I still tried to stay within the realm of plausibility. If you see anything that directly contradicts the show's universe (e.g., especially anything Andy's said about his upbringing), definitely let me know. This is a work-in-progress so reviews are, as always, very much appreciated. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 1
Scranton, PA: April 2009
"You're actually not that bad on the banjo," Dwight commented to Andy as they were walking to their cars. This was after their breakroom jam session had ended, after Toby had broken it up, after both men had forgotten that they were trying to impress the same woman. "You could use a little work," Dwight continued, "But really, not too bad."
By this point in his stint at Scranton, Andy knew better than to take Dwight's criticisms to heart. This was as close to genuine appreciation as he or anyone else would get from Dwight.
"Thanks. You're not too shabby on the ol' six-string yourself," Andy replied, drawling out the latter part of the sentence in his best southern voice.
Dwight smiled and looked down at the guitar fondly. "My grandfather taught me to play when I was little. He also taught me how to identify a black bear's mating call." Dwight paused and looked at Andy. "Different day, of course."
"Oh, of course."
"But how do you learn the banjo in Connecticut?" Dwight asked. "I mean, I grew up in the country. You never really struck me as the banjo-playing type."
Andy shrugged. "Kind of the same situation. Had a family member who knew how to play, he taught me, and the rest is history."
Dwight frowned incredulously. "In between golfing and sailing lessons?"
"Yeah, pretty much," Andy replied vaguely. He got into his car and waved. "See you later, Dwight – keep working on 'Country Roads' and we'll play again when Toby's out to lunch."
With that Andy drove off, leaving Dwight still looking confused. And with good reason, because his friend was right: Andrew Baines Bernard was not the type of man one would associate with a banjo. Everything else in his life seemed to contradict the rural, hardworking vibe that a banjo represented through both musician and song. Andy Bernard didn't have that blue-collar background. As far as he knew, no Bernard did.
But he had more family than just the Bernards...