Boy Bands, Introduction
So, our 4 year old son is into drums and guitars. Many kids go through a phase of setting up pots and pans and drumming on them. This has been a lifestyle for J-buddy (no…not his real name….sheesh). There are, at times, up to 5 drum ‘stations’ set up around the house made of whatever sounds cool when hit by a stick. And they’re not random. They are arranged. And woe to the parent (or sister) who moves any objects that have been set up in a drum kit formation. Recently, this has developed into a full-fledged band, involving Big Sis and neighbor kids. There is a drummer, a guitar player, a vocalist/keyboard player, and, of course, a cheerleader. They are all quite devoted…. more devoted than skilled, I would say. Video of this is forthcoming. To appreciate this development, a little background is helpful.
Two days after Christmas, 2004, this was the sight and sound–as you can imagine–that dominated an extended family gathering. J-bud was 2 years old. That’s a metal box he’s hitting. (uh, dude….your fly is…um…. flapping?)
Same occasion and setting. Better wardrobe. Expanded kit. What I love about this picture…. in the background… under the Christmas tree….. what he’s NOT playing with.
Summer, 2005, on stage at a camp that my husband directed for several years. There was not yet pedal capability, but J-bud had already figured out a basic cross-hand high hat/snare pattern. And had developed an affinity for o-v-e-r-s-i-z-e-d headphones. (pic taken, and drums owned, by our friend Justin)
If you come to our house ever, just know you will likely be greeted by rhythmic sounds of some sort. For a few years, I had trouble finding drummers for events I was leading at church, for camps, etc. Not anymore….. The story will continue.
JILL KOOP!!!! Welcome to the blog, my friend!
I think I remember seeing J. drool while playing the drums. Was it age (about 2 at the time?), was it a Green Day type thing, or was it simply a basic, instinctual Pavlovian reaction? You make the call.
So I think you have one of the cutest little boys ever. Those pictures are priceless!
Krysta: he can’t drive. Can you give him a ride?
Tam: what a great story about your son! Headphones are going to have to be our next purchase…
Daniel: we’re in. Only matinee performances, however. Drummer gets a little manic if up past bedtime.
Matt: word UP. :)
man. that’s so cool. every good band needs a cheerleader.
This is awesome> My 21 month has the same crazy affinity for acoustic guitars! Maybe our kids should start a toddler band together?!!
This is goodness! I think it’s so awesome how kids cannot contain what is naturally in them. I think I’ve mentioned before that my son is a drummer. Much like your little guy he expressed interest at a very early age. So when he was 4 we bought him a full size kit. He would put his headphones on and play to CD’s. The first CD he played along with was Skillet. Almost 7 years later he is an incredible drummer. Plays for the kids worship team (the youngest player) the rest of them are adults, quite funny! We had Thousand Foot Crutch at our church one year and Steve (their drummer) and Kota (my son) exchanged drum riffs and just jammed together. It was incredible! All that to say – keep it goin!!! I know you are! I LOVE the sound of live instruments in our home! Nothing sweeter ;)
is he free this sunday? we need a drummer for our pasadena location. :)