Kalebs Banjo

Little Kaleb was dreaming about playing an instrument. He was hoping to get into the school’s band for young children. The school didn’t have many instruments in the band. Kaleb was from Mali and lived in a small village that was very underdeveloped. The school only had traditional instruments like The banjo, marimba, and maracas. Kaleb’s interest was in the banjos; he always imagined himself with a banjo and impressing the school.

Kaleb walked into his 2nd-grade classroom and saw his friend Imani. Imani was already in the school’s band, she played the marimba. She was Kaleb’s inspiration and the only reason Kaleb had a passion for music. He often asked his mother for rubber bands and he pulled them with his fingers to make sounds. The only problem was that he didn’t know how to make the right tunes. Later during lunchtime, Kaleb sat next to Imani on the bench. “So are you going to join the band yet?” asked Imani. “I’m not sure, I don’t even know how to play any instrument,” said Kaleb. Imani suggested he should find a tutor and Kaleb was all for it.

As Kaleb walked home, he saw an old man playing the banjo. The music that the strings made were so wonderful to Kaleb. He ran towards the man, “Hello there mister!” greeted Kaleb. “Oh hello, young man, what brings you here?” asked the man, “I would like to learn the banjo and play just like you! Can you teach me?” “Yes, of course! But aren’t you a bit too small? How old are you 4, 5?”. Kaleb was confused, he was short for his age but never thought he looked 4 years old. “Sir I’m 7 years old, in the 2nd grade. I go to St. Jones Elementary down the road,” said Kaleb.

“Really? I used to be the former music teacher of the band! What a coincidence!” laughed the man. “Child, what’s your name?” he asked, “Kaleb. Kaleb Alli” he replied. “Im Timothy nice to meet you.” said the man. “So Mr. Timothy will you teach me?” curiously asked Kaleb. “Tomorrow here, 5 pm”. Kaleb jumped with excitement, “I’ll be there!” said Kaleb as he ran, he knew that his mother would be mad because he was already very late.
Kaleb soon reached his house and told his mom about everything, his mom was happy Kaleb was going to join the band and learn an instrument.

The next morning Kaleb was so excited about his lesson that he woke extra early. “What are you doing up so early?” asked Mom. “I’m just so excited, I cant wait!” said Kaleb. All day Kaleb wouldnt stop day dreaming about how he would be famous and known all over Mali. “You look happy” said Imani. “Oh hey Imani! Guess what!” said Kaleb. “Hmm what?” she asked. “Im learning the banjo and im going to join the band!” squealed Kaleb. “Thatfs great! Im so excited!” jumped Imani. After school his lesson went great. Over time Kaleb got more and more better at the banjo and learned all types of music in the band. He was in the band all through elementary and middle school. He soon made a YouTube channel named ‘Kalebs Banjo’ and was known all over Mali.