Oz's drumming class

continued

At the end of class we have a real band jam, with my boy Gabriel at the drum kit, another child playing xylophone, and yet another singing. Gabey picks the song — Queen's "We Will Rock You" — and Osburn accompanies us on guitar. I'm laughing my ass off, but Oz keeps an eye on the kids, gently giving them pointers.

One little four-year-old boy has been to class each time we've come and has good accuracy with rhythm. When we're leaving I ask his parents, an East Indian couple, whether they've noticed progress or improvement since he started. "We just want him to be more comfortable," they say smiling as he runs down the sidewalk. "More friendly in the environment. Then he can choose which instrument to play."

Oz's next monthly drumming session for kids is Saturday, November 6.   

[Originally published in November, 2004.]