While some people have to work hard to achieve musical success, others are born with an innate natural talent that simply needs practice to perfect.
As a music teacher at Wilmeth Elementary School in McKinney, Texas, Stacy Caldwell recently stumbled upon a student with such incredible natural talent, she knew she had to find a way to help him exceed.
During a lesson about drums, Stacy introduced the kids to “bucket drumming,” and the second she placed the drumsticks in Alijah’s hands, the child began to tap out a complicated rhythm like it was second nature.
Facebook
Stacy asked Alijah how he’d learned to drum so well, and his response broke the teacher’s heart. Alijah said he’d never had a drum lesson in his life, but he used to have a drum kit at home. Sadly, a few years ago, that drum set had been destroyed in a house fire, and his family didn’t have the money to replace it.
Stacy was moved by Alijah’s story, so she decided to share a quick video of the student playing the bucket drums on her Facebook page.
“We started bucket drumming today & after reviewing simple, four beat rhythm patterns,” Stacy wrote. “This new friend to Wilmeth asked if he could play something. Says he’s never had drum lessons & lost his drum set in a house fire two years ago. I’m on a mission to find this boy a drum set! Please let me know if you have one you want to get rid of! Looks like I need to raise my game!”
The response was instantaneous. Community members near and far popped up to donate unused drums and other musical items that Alijah might need. Less than a week later, Stacy had gathered everything Alijah would need to practice his skills at home. She decided to bring her student in after school to share the news with him, and his reaction is beyond sweet.
Facebook
“Last week in music class we played bucket drums, and I asked you to play something, and you really surprised me, and I realized that you have a great talent,” Stacy told Alijah.
“One thing I’ve noticed about you, not just that you’re very talented, but also, you’re very kind,” the teacher continued. “Every time I see you in the hall you’ve got a smile on your face. You’re very humble, and I was very impressed by that, as much as your talent.”
You can see the pleasure on Alijah’s face as he hears these words of encouragement and praise, but his teacher isn’t finished yet!
Facebook
When she pulls the tarp off of the drum kit, which was donated by another school nearby, the look on the young man’s face would melt even the coldest heart. He’s even more blown away when Stacy tells him he’s also getting an electronic drum set, music books, and other drum-related swag that people donated.
Facebook
“We all believe in you and want you to have the tools you need to be successful,” Stacy concluded before asking Alijah to play something.
Facebook
If that isn’t the most wonderful use for Facebook that ever existed, we don’t know what is! This is one teacher who truly understands what it means to foster success in young people. Just telling Alijah that she believes in him, and that others are pulling for him too, could very well be the incentive he needs to pursue a career in music.
Watch Alijah find out the amazing news below, and be sure to share to make someone smile today.
Share your story & inspire the world.
If you have an uplifting story we would love to hear about it! Share it with us here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.