When I was in elementary school we were fortunate enough to have a rhythm band. There were rather few exotic instruments like the tambourine, glockenspiel, try angle, castanets, whistles, and a whole slew of less exciting rhythm sticks.

For some reason the girls usually got to play the really fun instruments and a bunch of us guys sat in a row in front with a small board and a pair of rhythm sticks. We would tap out some rather basic rhythm while the girls would have all the fun with the good instruments. I always longed to play one of the fun instruments but never got the chance.

Well, er, almost ~ on the last day of school one year the teacher got out the rhythm band box and began assigning instruments. Low and behold the called my name and handed me the tambourine. Overjoyed, with my heart pounding away I took my place in the second row, holding the tambourine. At last, my chance. Well as luck would have it ~ when we were just about ready to play ~ the dismissal bell rang early and the teacher told us to put the instruments back into the box.

Deep in my heart, I've always longed to play the tambourine. However, as years turned into decades I got involved with a great number of other instruments. Last Christmas I finally got my chance. I was in a music store and noticed a real nice selection of tambourines. Impulse, or whatever, took over and I bought myself a tambourine for Christmas. Sixty years was a long time to wait but I must admit it was well worth every minute. I seldom play the thing but just knowing its there on the shelf and available makes me feel real good.

Cap't Bob