The Bass Drummer

Title: The Bass Drummer

Author: Haripriya

Author's Note: Hello everyone! I wish you all a happy Sunday! In this story, I didn't really have many things to include, so it is kind of short. But I felt that this prompt was also really interesting because I was pondering about why they only chose a drummer to be the main character in the prompt, so that got me thinking to also include another main character in this story, just to break up the plot and make it more interesting. But I hope my thinking went the right way and that you all enjoy another story!

"Hey, Paul! You're invited to the annual Music Showdown today! I hope you'll make the most of it!" Paul's brother Peter exclaimed.

Peter was very happy that his little drummer brother got invited to such a prestigious music event.

The Annual Music Showdown is where the expert musicians play for more than 10,000 people. In fact, many people from different states actually come to this festival just to meet these famous musicians. Now, if Paul is lucky, he may even have to give autographs! 

Basically, this musical showdown is a huge deal, so even being on stage and performing there already means that you're a famous musician, but winning that competition means that you're the king of musicians for that entire year! Whoever is the winner will get so much more publicity, so that person has to keep composing and writing new songs according to the people's demand, this way all the winner's albums can be a hit.

"Just imagine all the fame and publicity you'll get when you attend this showdown, Paul, just try to imagine! I can't even imagine telling everyone in the audience that the famous bass drum player is my brother! Wow, I really can't." Peter continued to daydream in his thoughts, while Paul felt a little nervous.

What if I mess up a note in front of everyone? What if I trip and fall over? What if...no one likes my playing? Paul was in deep thought and felt really unsure about going to this music festival, thinking pessimistic thoughts. 

"Hey, Peter, I don't really know if going to this...The Music Showdown thing is a really good idea for me. I mean, I'm basically a social blunder! Also, I have stage fright! I don't know if I can even stand on the stage without my leg shivering." he admits, trying to persuade his brother to think twice about this entire program. 

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"Oh, no way are you going to back out of this huge event! This can be your chance to show everyone what a talented bass drummer you really are!" Peter continues persuading, hoping his brother would ever listen to him.

"But—" he wanted to talk, but Peter didn't want to listen to him refuse his idea again.

"Do you remember? Every Christmas Eve dad would put on the Music Showdown, where many musicians that time played Christmas carols and songs. Remember how you would always tell mom and dad that one day you were going to be up on that stage like these people singing and playing your favorite instrument, a drum. Don't you want to prove your younger self true? Especially when you're biggest and life long dream is going to come true? I don't see why you should ever reject going to the showdown! This is your chance Paul, this is your time. I say you should shine it." Peter advises Paul, hoping that all of this would change his mind.

It took Paul some time to reply because he was thinking about it. 

"I—I guess, I will go to this musical showdown. You're right, since I even learned how to speak, I've always wanted to be a drummer. Maybe even one day go to the annual music showdown. Peter, you're absolutely true, I shouldn't give up when I'm this close to achieving my dream." Paul finally replies, feeling a lot more confident than how he was before.

"Finally you understood! I also read in the flier that after the musical performance, there is a holiday party just for all of the performers! You'll finally be a part of the people you belonged to Paul! So, what do you say? Now are you really excited to go, or would you rather sit at home, reading a book?" Peter asked Paul.

Paul shook his head jokingly because he knew that Peter already knows what he was going to pick. 

"Of course I'm going to go to the music showdown, Peter! I'm ready, and I couldn't have ever been feeling so good if it weren't for you Peter, so thank you for everything you always do. It means a whole lot to me." Paul confessed, and soon there was an awkward silence between the two brothers.

"Ok little one! Your welcome, but that is what big brothers always do, help the younger ones always choose the correct and best path in their life. Now enough of the mushy talk and get ready for the showdown! It's in another eight hours Paul! Go and start practicing your masterpiece, and if you want, I can listen to it?" Peter says.

"Well, since you did help me regain my excitement for this music event, I guess I'll show you what I'm going to play," Paul said, and the two brothers chuckled as they looked at each other, smiling bright.

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Seven hours later, Paul had practiced his instrument and the two of them had gotten ready to go to the big event. 

"Are you feeling fine brother? Do you need some water, or for me to play some calming music?" Peter asked, looking concerned about his brother.

"Oh, no, I'm really fine Peter. I'm going to be all right. In fact, I'm too excited to even talk. Just imagining my notes and playing the music in my head is already seeming really exciting to me!" Paul explained to Peter, and the two were off to the Annual Music Showdown.

~The End~