Chapter One
An Elven Drummer?
"Percussion!"
Tap, tap, tap.
"Percussion!"
I hear my band conductor banging his baton on the music stand. Looking over the sea of flutes I'm drowned in I see the members of the percussion section huddled together in a small circle. It is amusing how oblivious they are to Mr. Richard's call to attention.
"Drums!"
Suddenly they look up. The section leader turns abruptly and straightens his posture. He holds his chin up and his keen, intelligent eyes meet with the conductor's. He listens to the instructions, nods his head, and the scurries quickly away to carry them out.
I smile. So elf-like.
Needless to say I'm a Lord of the Rings fanatic. Though I refer to myself as obsessed, I dislike it when others use the same terminology to describe my intense admiration of these books.
So, of course, my natural inclination is to categorize everyone who is of a sprightly nature as elven. Take one of my friends, for example: she has Galadriel hair, a graceful figure, and a naturally pretty face. Definitely elven.
But sometimes I wander so far in the classification of my peers that outward beauties begin to take a second place in priority. So it is with the leader of the percussion section.
At first I had a hard time convincing my sister of his "elven" qualities, because to look at him one wouldn't automatically scream, "Oh my goodness! An elf!" Even I must admit he isn't what many people would call hot. No, his disposition rather than his appearance cause every part of my tameless imagination to agree on his "elfdom."
Sure, he has long, blond hair and a perfectly elven form. But isn't long hair the style now? See, my sister told me, nothing unusual about that. But look closer, I prodded. Watch his actions, his emotions. I have never seen anyone so full of energy. Each time he is present at rehearsal I am entertained by his hyperactiveness. He oversees everything in his section with the most acute attention to detail. Wether he's tuning the tympani, handing out music, or directing the girl on the bells he is always intently involved. I see him run lightly from one drum to another during and between songs, always full of vitality and gentle enthusiasm. Smiles spread through the group of percussionists when he gives assistance or shares a friendly conversation.
I'm just a typical flutist: a bit of an air head and far too talkative. I never knew running the percussion section was such a big job. Yet sometimes I find myself wishing I could be a drummer and join their cheerful comradeship.
An Elven Drummer?
"Percussion!"
Tap, tap, tap.
"Percussion!"
I hear my band conductor banging his baton on the music stand. Looking over the sea of flutes I'm drowned in I see the members of the percussion section huddled together in a small circle. It is amusing how oblivious they are to Mr. Richard's call to attention.
"Drums!"
Suddenly they look up. The section leader turns abruptly and straightens his posture. He holds his chin up and his keen, intelligent eyes meet with the conductor's. He listens to the instructions, nods his head, and the scurries quickly away to carry them out.
I smile. So elf-like.
Needless to say I'm a Lord of the Rings fanatic. Though I refer to myself as obsessed, I dislike it when others use the same terminology to describe my intense admiration of these books.
So, of course, my natural inclination is to categorize everyone who is of a sprightly nature as elven. Take one of my friends, for example: she has Galadriel hair, a graceful figure, and a naturally pretty face. Definitely elven.
But sometimes I wander so far in the classification of my peers that outward beauties begin to take a second place in priority. So it is with the leader of the percussion section.
At first I had a hard time convincing my sister of his "elven" qualities, because to look at him one wouldn't automatically scream, "Oh my goodness! An elf!" Even I must admit he isn't what many people would call hot. No, his disposition rather than his appearance cause every part of my tameless imagination to agree on his "elfdom."
Sure, he has long, blond hair and a perfectly elven form. But isn't long hair the style now? See, my sister told me, nothing unusual about that. But look closer, I prodded. Watch his actions, his emotions. I have never seen anyone so full of energy. Each time he is present at rehearsal I am entertained by his hyperactiveness. He oversees everything in his section with the most acute attention to detail. Wether he's tuning the tympani, handing out music, or directing the girl on the bells he is always intently involved. I see him run lightly from one drum to another during and between songs, always full of vitality and gentle enthusiasm. Smiles spread through the group of percussionists when he gives assistance or shares a friendly conversation.
I'm just a typical flutist: a bit of an air head and far too talkative. I never knew running the percussion section was such a big job. Yet sometimes I find myself wishing I could be a drummer and join their cheerful comradeship.