Somehow, drums are just the coolest instrument. Sure, The electric guitar look’s great in Flash’s hands, and if you can slappa-da-bass like Flea you’ve got it made, but can you ever really look as cool as someone going ape on a drum set? I’ll help you out, the answer is no.
There’s just something about a skilful drummer that fills people with equal parts awe and envy.
One memorable song in which drums are front and center is an oldie, but a goodie.
The Venture’s “Wipe Out” is a beach-vibe surf rock instrumental featuring some pretty fancy slapping o the skins. And you know it’s iconic when it inspires other young artists who’ve lived in very different eras. Wipeout is a fun drum-forward song for any young drummer looking to cut their teeth on some blues bars.
Surely a good rendition of this song would require a decent amount of rehearsal?
Again, no. Not when you’ve got raw talent.
I present to you this video of this highly talented 4th grader, who without any real rehearsal and no sheet music, plays the drums to this iconic fast-rolling surf-tastic song. With only two weeks notice, she picks up the sticks to play the song for a school concert, a performance it seemed like they waited right till the very end of the night to do.
As the speaker introduces her performance, she starts to look a little nervous…
Perhaps it’s just because it’s taking some time to introduce, but our little drummer seems to be getting weary. I hope she’s not having second thoughts about playing. The man introducing her performance refers to it as a “roll the dice moment”, with our drummer coming in so late-notice with practically no rehearsal spare a quick run-through with the big band.
But then the music begins, and the orchestra section begins to play the song.
I don’t think it’s too harsh to suggest that the band itself could use a little bit more rehearsal, but that’s what you get when you get a bunch of kids to play an old song on such late notice. Our drummer however, is straight into it. She clearly has excellent rhythm, and gets the rest of the kids playing in time.
But then the good part comes!
Of course, if you’re not familiar with Wipeout, you’ll know that the best bit is when the drums come front and center. As the drummer from Wipeout does, our wee drummer takes center stage, focusing on a tight rhythm on just a “tom-tom” drum with a quick, rolling rhythm. With such a 60’s vibe it’s hard not to picture Austin Powers jiving to this tune while you hear that repetitive surf rock sound.
Is this girl a clock? Because she can KEEP TIME!
Finally after the song is done, she stands and takes her bow. She’s earned the audience’s applause as she has proven herself to be a promising young musician (and keeping that band playing in time!).
Watch the full video below to enjoy this young drummer’s time in the limelight!
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