#the quiet percussionist

[thequietpercussionist]

[discocandles]

one thing about steve harrington is that he sucks at doing nothing. like he has to be doing something with himself lest the guy waste away. this has led to him being very good at fucking around with things especially when its something relatively quiet. the loudest steve will let himself keep his hands busy while stuck idle is tossing whatever's in his hand to himself and catching it, which usually bodes well for sports practice after coach learned that just because he was moving didnt mean he wasnt paying attention(usually the opposite).

he learned how to flip a pencil around his thumb in middle school and seeing someone in one of the meetings he sat in on doing it. he'll twirl anything he can around in his hand, especially while he was working in the mall. the scoopers were perfect for it. and any way youve seen a drummer/percussionist fiddle with a drumstick, steve knew he had to replicate it.

but even with all this movement and the fact the guy was barely ever not moving, it seemed like no one noticed it ever. a fact that nearly drove eddie insane when they were in high school together. because he did have the reputation of being restless, and in a constant state of movement. and he probably fucked around with random shit less, so how did steve "the hair" harrington not end up with the same reputation? the answer was just that he was way more quiet("and sneaky" -eddie) about it. and if the teacher hated when their students fiddled and futzed he'd be sure to try and keep the movement below his desk.

but it not that he only has to keep his hands busy. no no no, if bored or stuck waiting, and that won't suffice, steve harrington will pick up anything with words just to read it. anything. outdated newspapers, ingredients lists, magazines of any topic. he just mindlessly grabs for whatever and starts fucking reading. Robin could swear under oath to a court that her best friend has read the back of every vhs in family video. hell, she's seen him reading drugstore novels, like the fucking grandma smut and books with cover art of nicely dressed ladies running from a castle. and its her jock best friend reading it, instead of some repressed suburban woman who hates her husband. yes, this information is the bane of robin buckley's exsistance because its not like anyone would believe her.

idk just give me steve being restless but doing it quietly enough that no one really picks up on it.

[katuschka]

Out On The Tiles – Prologue

Jake Kiszka x Chris Turpin Josh Kiszka x Chris Turpin

Yaaay, my first AU! Welcome to the 70s rock&roll hell, baby...

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, intended for adult readers. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental. Also, if you're under 18, go find some other entertainment elsewhere.

Warnings – this story will contain: substance abuse, infidelity, debauchery, same sex smut, hetero smut, rough sex, and as always, an unhealthy dose of heavy emotions and feelings

Special thanks to: @thewritingbeforesunrise and her genius, twisted mind that helped me form this story in my own sick brain.

If you like the story and want to get notifications, you can join the Taglist.

AND if you already received the notif, but you're not interested in this particular story, just send me a message.

I'm just a simple guy, I live from day to day A ray of sunshine melts my frown and blows my blues away There's nothing more that I can say but on a day like today I pass the time away and walk a quiet mile with you All I need from you is all your love All you got to give to me is all your love

Prologue

1994 was an eventful year for the Kiszka twins. After years of unsuccessful attempts to launch respectful solo projects they could build upon after the infamous breakup of their band, they had been finally labelled as “has-beens of rock” when grunge hit the mainstream, only to rise up again like a phoenix from the dust of their once stellar career. 

Josh and Jake, THE ultimate enfants terrible of the 70s rock&roll music scene. Angel-faced devils, as they were called. 

It was no longer true, but it kept haunting them anyway. How could it not.

Born to free-thinking parents who never made it to Frisco with the other beatniks, but instead decided to “settle down” in a small town in Michigan after their mother became pregnant, they were raised – together with their younger brother Samuel – in what you could call a “respectful neighborhood”. But everything was different behind the closed doors, as their parents never grew out of love for art, music and literature. 

Their mother was not only a wonderful and respected teacher, but she could also bake devilishly good sweet treats, so the neighbors somehow “tolerated” the fact that she often indulged in painting “weird pictures.” 

Their father played the piano in church on Sundays, while their own house was filled with the sound of delta blues, bebop and rockabilly on Friday nights. 

Even as young kids, they never had to hide their passion for the new music made by Elvis and Chuck and Little Richard. In fact, their father encouraged it, together with their attempts to learn how to play and write their own stuff. Their longing to create was inextinguishable, partly inherited and wholeheartedly shared, so by mid sixties, they were already in a band. Their band, which they founded together with Sam’s friend, a talented percussionist from the school orchestra. And a cool kid, too. 

After the wave of new British bands hit the US coast like a tsunami, invading the music scene as well as their own ears, they finally found their own sound and everything snowballed pretty quickly during 1968 and 1969. They got signed, they hit the road and their career literally exploded! Air Javelin were on their way to become one of the most influential bands in rock&roll history. 

Fast forward back to 1994, they now found themselves sitting next to David Letterman, eager and ready to discuss their new mutual music project. 

It was good. In fact, it was great, already receiving many well-deserved accolades and praises from the very same people and magazines who used to shit on their music more than two decades ago. 

The only problem being that they were probably the only people who were eager and ready to discuss it at the moment. 

Josh’s recent coming-out was already old news and the questions that focused on that grew stale pretty quickly. It was the 90s after all, and things were getting better slowly but steadily. If anything, it made the message he managed to lace their new music with even more acute and sharp. The first single was a huge success not only among their old fans; it hit the charts with nearly the same force their old hits once did. 

Unfortunately, two weeks after the long-awaited release of the whole album, a book appeared on shelves of bookstores all across the country, and turned into a sensation almost overnight. 

Written by their former road manager Robert Mole, it was packed with juicy and scandalous stories from their heyday. The timing was deliberate. Robert just wanted a piece of the freshly baked cake, and so did the publisher. 

A lot of it had already been somewhat known, and perceived as public secrets for years and years. People may not have known all the details Robert decided to disclose, but it shocked no one. Those were the stories and anecdotes from a long-gone era. EVERYONE was already familiar with the infamous octopus story anyway, even though no one knew what really happened that day. That was the beauty of it. And as Jake already said in another interview, Robert had spent most of those days either drunk or high, often both, so a lot of the shit mentioned in that book was simply made up or blown out of proportion.

So, when Letterman asked about the contents of the book again, Jake replied nonchalantly: “Let’s put it this way, David. I can’t remember half of it, and neither can he!”

The audience laughed, but the host did not give up. 

There was one more story, one that they had managed to keep hidden, but which kept haunting them because it was extremely and painfully personal. Like a cold sore, it would never go away. It was also the reason why Sam still refused to speak with either of them.

They used to like Robert; he was once regarded and treated almost as a sixth member of the group. However, the fact that he decided to include this in the book turned him into an unscrupulous piece of shit in their eyes. 

Back in the day, when their heads were so big it was a wonder that they didn’t float above their shared stage, they thought no one could possibly push them out of their pedestal. But new bands appeared, some of them equally good. Bands such as the British wonder Mellow Yellow, with their charismatic, blonde frontman…

“Alright, alright,” Letterman raised his voice before the applause died down completely. “But I’m sure EVERYONE wants to know the truth behind those accusations that the real reason why Air Javelin split up was the affair you BOTH had with the late Chris Turpin.”

@thewritingbeforesunrise @fleet-of-fiction @writingcold @lvnterninthenight @its-interesting-van-kleep   @takenbythemadness   @edgingthedarkness @myownparadise96 @gvfstuddedmajesty @jazzyfigz @sanguinebats @josh-iamyour-mama @lyndz2names @wetkleenex-gvf @peaceloveunitygvf @cheersdannyx2 @fleetingjake @lizzys-sunflower @emojakekiszka @gvfmarge @Dayumclarizzel @lipstickitty @clownstarr @gretasfallingsky @musicislove3389 @i-love-gvf @psychedelectable @allof--mylove @sacredsparrow

[simps-4-russian-assassains]

Nobody has asked but here’s my head canons of what instrument each character would/‘ve played if/when they were in high school… basically high school Band AU (? I have no idea what I’m doing)

Elliot Stabler: Trumpet (look at that man and tell me he doesn’t look like he would play the trumpet, like come on his posture screams that plus of course military but I digress)

Olivia Benson: Bass Clarinet (her mother feels like she wouldn’t allow her much choice in which instrument she could play. So her choices would be either flute or clarinet becuz her mom wouldn’t want to deal with the noise. And so she picks clarinet but then highschool comes around she’s starting to want to distance herself from her mom and the band needs a bass clarinet… two birds one stone)

Melinda Warner: Saxophone (She’s a part of the group, but she feels slightly separated. You don’t worry about her becuz you know she can do her job. She gives the cool energy of the quiet saxophone kid that kept the band together. *Fun Fact, she is what inspired me to do this whole list becuz I watched the episode where it’s mentioned she was Air Force and just immediately knew she was in the Air Force Band*)

John Munch: Percussion/mallets (dude gives he learned piano as a kid and so can do mallets, and he gives vibes of percussionist that you have no control of his attention in the back of the room *He’s talking about his conspiracy theories* the vibes are there)

Odafin Tutuola (can’t spell it): Percussion/Toys (he gives crash cymbals… idk what to say, he looks like he’d be able to do the cool tricks *how he got his nickname, cuz the cymbals are his fins* and his relationship with Munch screams the old married couple of the section)

Alex Cabot: French Horn (look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t think Alex *Hi, Uncle Bill* *Nepo Baby* Cabot wouldn’t play a stick up the ass instrument? But also play it so beautifully, and she gives the vibes dammit)

Rita Calhoun: French Horn (same reasons as above but also throwing in her and Alex’s friendly rivalry always fighting over first chair)

Casey Novak: Percussion/Trap Set/Quads/timpanis (Ok so she’s a bit more complicated. The swagger? Gives percussion. Her passion? Personality? Gives more then one drum at a time. And so I had to have one per season of band *Marching, Jazz/Concert, and Concert* I’ll include headcanons at the end if you need some mental imagery)

Amanda Rollins: Flute? (Open to contestments, only started rewatching SVU and so haven’t rewatched newer seasons yet, I can be persuaded on anything with her)

Sonny Carisi: Drum Major (the way he holds himself, and his presence within the squad, he’s a multi trick pony *Detective and ADA*)

Rafael Barba: Bass Drum (His presence is solid and consistent. He himself doesn’t necessarily need to be loud, he’s a constant solid beat, constantly moving them forward.)

George Hyuang: Clarinet (he reminds me of people I went to school with who played clarinet *In a good way* more evidence later on.)

Donald Cragen: He’s the director (obviously he’s the one in “charge”, he just gives director energy *its the dad energy* but when he was in band he play percussion specifically the toys, like triangle and cowbell)

Liz Donnelly: PTA Mom/Trombone (When she was in school? She played trombone, it fits the vibe of her being a girl/woman trying to fit in a stereotypical “boy/men” role. And I can see her trying to showboat act tough with it… idk I can talk more about what I mean but 🤷🏼‍♀️. But she also gives extreme PTA Mom vibes. But like in the way that she’s actually in charge, she’s keeping everyone alive. In the “well Cragen won’t care that much’ ‘but Donnelly is gonna kill us”, idk I see her with her 80s hair with a turtle neck sweater with a “I’m with the band” t-shirt over it, doing all the extra stuff… she’s band mom)

Lena Petrovsky: Choir Director (has to deal with their shenanigans, if needed can reign students in, must chaperone on most trips. She hates them, but she tolerates the few kids that are in both band and choir)

I’ll happily take suggestions… on most of them… I’ll hear anyone’s opinion about it

[tytarax]

Please, please, please 🙏

I'm thinking of a reader with a tail, saiyan? I'm making a headcanon that all saiyans have their tails left. I love tails so much!

I like to imagine the Reader hugging Zenon, Priest, and Shin with his tail. Zenon loves that extra “limb” and how it can lift him up.

Hugging Shin's waist or Daishinkan's waist with the tail. What if they hold the tip of their tail in their hands while the reader stands nearby?

It sounds weird, but I love tails as well, like a lot!!

I'll write it as hcs, hope you don't mind

Zen chan is obsessed with your tail. To him, it's the coolest think ever! Like the way it moves on its own fascinates him, and he loves watching it flick and curl when you're excited.

Sometimes, he would grab your tail and laugh as he's effortlessly lifted off the ground. He would occasionally demand "Again! Again! Higher this time!"

During the quiet moments, he wraps his tiny arms around your tail and holds on it like it's a soft toy.

Might even fall asleep like that, using it as pillow.

And of course, he would love to play catch the tail, like just chase after it while you sway it side to side.

Daishinkan finds your tail interesting but remains composed about it. He'll gently take the tip of it between your fingers, inspecting it with curiosity, and maybe comment on what unique traits Saiyans have.

He holds your tail absentmindedly, especially during meetings or standing beside you. It's a grounding action for him.

When you hug him with your tail, he'll raise an elegant brow but accept it with a warm smile. Might pat your tail lightly in return.

If you got your tail pulled or injured he is the first one to step in. He'll heal it and remind you to be more careful.

Shin on the other hand gets so shy whenever your tail wraps around his waist. He blushes like crazy "Y-Y/N, your tail... it's, um... t-tight"

But he secretly loves the attention

He's pretty careful with your tail, knowing how sensitive it is. If anyone tries to pull it, he will intervene.

Sometimes he'll reach out and lightly tug on your tail's tip to get your attention. It's a way of saying "I need you rn"

Overtime he becomes more comfortable with it and might gently wrap his hands around it while you're nearby.

---What ifs---

If Beerus is around, he will try to use your tail for entertainment. He might flick it or tug on it lightly, teasing you in his usual bratty way. “You Saiyans and your ridiculous attachments.” However, if you whip your tail in his face, he’ll quickly back off.

If you’re ever with Goten or Trunks, they’ll be insanely jealous of your tail and probably try to grab it. You’ll have to remind them (with a light bonk) that a Saiyan’s tail isn’t a toy.

If someone dares to harm your tail, Zeno will get adorably serious about punishing them. “No hurting Y/N’s tail! It’s too fun!” He might even order the offending party to apologize directly to your tail.

Masterpost

DBS Masterlist

@ultimate-percussionist

[lookstairs]

Batboys Band meeting

Duke: Alright so Tim will be bass, Jason’s lead guitar, dami-

Damian: Wait why is Jason lead guitar?

Jason: Aww whats wrong little bird? Jealous

Damian: Of you? Pfft I just doubt your ability to be lead anything

Jason: Brat

Duke: Anyways Damian will be drums-

Jason: You know I saw a drum set at the store, it said ages 3 and up want me to get it for you Dami?

Damian: QUIET YOU STREET-

Duke: OK! Moving on, I’ll be-

Tim: Um why am I bass?

Duke: I don’t know it just fits I guess?

[Jay and Damian nod]

Duke: And I’ll be the lead singer!

Damian: What about Dick?

Duke: Dick will be the sassy percussionist

Dick: [Shaking a tambourine]

[geodethecrow]

GOALS FOR THE WINTER AND SPRING

make a new soup every month (extend for the full year)

turn my jacket into a battle jacket!!

finish sewing my pirate shirt in time for prom

finish knitting my fingerless gloves

learn to spin with a drop spindle

make redbud jelly

live and love loudly and lusciously

patch and paint ideas for battle jacket

cicada on the top back in sort of a mystical design

nebulas/stars on the cuffs and up the sleeves

fish fear me women fear me men fear me I fear me

some quote from Hadestown

anarchy symbol made out of a yarn ball and knitting needles

green carnation (cross stitch)

save a drum bang a percussionist

something trans flag

treble clef and shape notes <3

decay exists as an extant form of life. you cannot kill me in a way that matters

soil composition triangle

"be quiet, silica gel, can't you see I'm starving"

moss and/or lichen (on top of other things)

[hallo-anon]

141 Band/College Au Pt 2ish

I wanted their callsigns to be like school wide nicknames, so these are the stories/reasons for their nicknames.

Ghost:

We all know how quiet Ghost is, so I thought it would be funny if even as a percussionist, he has managed to scare the shit out of everyone. That includes Price and Nik, on multiple occasions.

Gaz:

This one was probably the hardest one. In the games, his callsign is Gaz because "because he doesn't say much, according to Captain Price." so I tried searching for a different meaning, and I found one. The story of Gaz's nickname was from one mistake by Nik. When Nik first heard Kyle's full name, he heard Gary instead of Garrick. He started calling him such and when no one corrected him, it turned to Gaz. Now everyone calls him that. No one has corrected Nik

Soap:

Johnny earned this nickname in his first year of guard. His captain at the time was amazed at how fast Johnny could toss his flag during his auditions. After he joined the team, everyone else took notice. One of the students said "It's like his hands are coated in soap or something." It just stuck.

Roach:

This one is my favorite. As a past colorguard member in highschool, I can tell ya, you get hurt a lot. Bruises, scrapes, friction burns from the silk. No matter how many times Gary gets hit by his flag/rifle/saber, he just keeps going. He got the nickname after a performance when his rifle but slammed into his nose. Even though his nose was bleeding, he preformed the entire time.

[solovivopaz]

Maya Biography

Maya Biography

Name: Maya

Species: Sea anemone

Gender: Women

Instrument: Percussion

Appearance:

Maya is a short sea anemone with light green skin that gives her a fresh and lively appearance. Its tentacles, which resemble a mane with a tail, are a vibrant purple color, which contrasts beautifully with its skin. Its unique and striking appearance makes it stand out in any setting, capturing attention both visually and aurally.

Personality and Traits:

Maya is a quiet and reserved person, often expressing her emotions through music rather than words. Her uniqueness is reflected in her exclusive use of an emoticon, (*), to communicate her feelings, letting the context speak for her. She is known for her diligent approach and passion for music, which leads her to always seek perfection in her performances. Although she initially appears shy, she is incredibly dedicated and possesses great inner strength.

History and Background:

Maya joined Ink Theory after graduating from a prestigious music academy, where she stood out for her talent and dedication. Her music teacher saw great potential in her and recommended she become a music instructor. However, Maya decided that she would rather gain experience creating and playing her own music before teaching others. This decision led her to join Ink Theory, where she found a home for her creativity and skills. In addition to playing with Ink Theory, Maya occasionally works as a freelance percussionist for other bands, allowing her to explore different styles and expand her musical repertoire.

Relations:

Karen: Maya has a close and friendly relationship with Karen, the pianist of Ink Theory. They support each other and share a deep connection through their passion for music. Karen is a positive influence on Maya, helping her overcome her insecurities and encouraging her to experiment with new musical styles.

Yoko: Maya and Yoko have a strong friendship based on mutual respect and dedication to the band. Yoko, as the band's leader, relies on Maya to keep up the pace and energy in her performances. Despite Yoko's occasional insecurity, Maya is always there to support her and offer words of encouragement.

Axol (my OC): Maya doesn't know Axol well, but she has heard about him through Yoko and Bibi. He knows that he is a close friend of Bibi and someone who can be trusted. Maya is interested in getting to know him better and seeing how he can contribute to the dynamics of their friend group.

Grandma: Maya and Bibi have a relationship of friendship and companionship. Maya greatly values ​​Bibi's positive energy and enthusiasm. They enjoy spending time together and always find ways to have fun, whether at work or in their free time.

Oonie: Maya and Oonie share a professional and friendly relationship. Although their musical styles may differ, they both have a deep respect for each other's talents. Maya appreciates Oonie's unique perspective on music and values ​​his contribution to the band.

Kitamura: Maya and Kitamura have a friendly and collaborative relationship. Maya admires Kitamura's dedication and talent as a drummer. They work well together and enjoy exchanging ideas on how to improve their music and performances.

Skills and Talents:

Maya is an exceptional percussionist, known for her rhythmic precision and ability to maintain energy during performances. His classical training has given him a solid foundation, and his experience working with various bands has allowed him to adapt to different musical styles. In addition to her musical talent, Maya has a great ability to work under pressure, staying calm and focused even in challenging situations.

Impact on Ink Theory:

Maya is an integral part of Ink Theory, providing the rhythm and structure that allows the band's music to flourish. His dedication and talent have contributed significantly to the band's success, and his unique style adds an extra dimension to their performances. Through her work both in and out of the band, Maya has proven to be a versatile and committed artist, inspiring others with her passion for music and her constant pursuit of excellence.

[theresa-of-liechtenstein]

we know the drill

while taking soprano attendance tita conductor stood in front of me, gave me a little smile, and clarified which parts i had for orchestra, mentioning that she had thought she had an extra that she hadn’t noticed before; i suggested “perhaps it’s the one from your other orchestra?” to which she shook her head and said “no, because you put a very big sticky note on it” and i laughed a little embarrassed to which she said “no it’s a good thing you did that, thank you” 💀

tita conductor took like ten minutes to do stretches at the beginning of chamber singers and then put us through the damn wringer during the warmup 😭 whole tone scales make me doubt whether i’ve had music education at all

at one point she had the sopranos stand and read some of the new rep for the end-of-term concert and told us “you are seven young women who should sing out and make yourselves heard” and i had to clamp back a wince 💀 i’m not out to her and i have every confidence she’d be totally supportive if i were but tita beloved, ‘woman’ is not something i would readily call myself

the quiet first year electrical engineering major i drove back from the valentine’s concert piped up today about his knowledge of hafiz and tita conductor started fanning herself vigorously like he’d just flirted with her and said happily to the rest of the choir “it’s so amazing how much knowledge we have in this group!”

tita conductor gave me the OK to park my choir and orchestra folders off to one side in the rehearsal hall before i headed off to my next class so i left them there momentarily, scuttled off, and came back an hour and a half later

on my way to the rehearsal hall i spotted the tall older guy with long hair who always helps us move things to the theater (pretty sure he does performing arts logistics related stuff officially). we’ve never talked but i always make sure to give him a smile and he’s seen me and tita conductor hanging around before at concerts and whatnot, including the Tita Conductor Hip-Checking Me Through The Door Of The Concert Venue incident of (checks notes) one week ago

anyway he waved at me today to which i FLASHED A PEACE SIGN BACK? what on earth did i do that for 😭😭

was in conversation with one of the percussionists outside the rehearsal hall, which had not been unlocked by tita conductor (and though her lights were on she was not in her office to unlock the hall for us) when suddenly i saw tita conductor pop out from seemingly nowhere (but was probably only the shortcut stairway) and said “oh, she’s here!” to which percussionist said “wow, you lit up when you saw her” FUCK. LMAO.

like how do i even explain the fucking lore at this point to people who are new. can i even explain the lore. is this whole thing just going to become some mythical taken-for-granted eventuality a la shipwright and fairbairn 😭

cute flute couple and i compared our doc martens as i was passing by them to find something in my stuff at the back of the rehearsal hall 🥹

the beginning of rehearsal was a little chaotic with part scans floating around so i had to put together folders on the fly and somehow get my instrument into a state of in-tune when littlebrothercore concertmaster and second oboe (filling in for principal oboe today) started tuning the orchestra

the associate concertmaster is now the guy (also in concertmaster’s year) that i am used to and like better (because even though he’s quiet he matches concertmaster in temperament and doesn’t act like he thinks he’s the shit all the time) and i think he’s learned that concertmaster and i just sit in our respective seats and banter and make faces at each other for two hours straight bc concertmaster started ragging on me as soon as i got into my seat and associate CM just sat back and watched 😭😭

concertmaster said jokingly “i can’t stand you” and i retorted “what happened to all those pencils i let you borrow? do they mean nothing to you?” and i think associate CM actually cracked a smile at that

tita conductor asked who had not received a dvořák part among the strings and began jotting down names on the envelope in which i had handed my section’s grieg parts to her. help me

finally we got underway with the grieg which i think is one of the cutest things ever. and also in the orchestra novel i never finished when i was 16 years old that had a conductor with the same first name and uncannily similar mannerisms as tita conductor they played grieg. which is the most meta thing ever to me, yet no one other than me would find it so

i don’t even remember exactly why but there was a point in the first movement where tita conductor was telling me something and then we locked eyes and started giggling uncontrollably like. i literally can’t even remember the reason why we were laughing at each other but we were just both in hysterics in front of everyone’s salads 😭

at one point there was a first ending with repeat bar and second ending before a section beginning with 16 or 17 bar rest that sounded remarkably similar to the previous section and both me and associate principal swore up and down that we were taking the second ending and so were sitting there counting bars

suddenly tita conductor looked at me around bar 13 of me counting and said “seconds, where are you?” and i frowned and said “not yet”

she stopped everyone else and scrutinized her score before i said “we have long rests and then come in with the firsts in bar (NUMBER)” and she said “oh, we took the first ending and went back! i was thinking i’d lost you!” 😭😭😭

tita conductor drew our attention to a poco ritard e morendo marking and quizzed us “what do we think of doing at this part?” and concertmaster piped up in his innocent voice “we get slower and die!” to which tita conductor absolutely fucking lost it laughing

we worked a little bit on the hebrides (which i had worked up to the rehearsal speed over the weekend so just happily sat there with my sixteenth notes except for the part where i doubted my counting and missed an entrance) before tita conductor released us for the night and had a seat on the little ledge at the front of the room to answer questions and reorganize the unclaimed sheet music

i packed up my stuff and gave tita conductor back unclaimed parts before my ex-associate principal came up and asked me if there were dvořák parts available, to which i remembered that they were part-time and therefore missed the earlier discourse on dvořák parts and list of people who needed them, so i briefed them on the issue and looked over at tita conductor

tita conductor was in conversation with the concertmaster over his section’s parts, so i took a peek into tita conductor’s box of folders, found the envelope that i had given her, and briefly asked tita conductor if i could borrow the pencil she was gesturing around with, to which she handed it over to me without hesitation and watched me pencil in my ex-associate principal’s name on her list. to which she gave me an approving nod 🥺

i bid goodbye to tita conductor and passed by principal trumpet (who was to start a procedure in lab after rehearsal under my supervision) who saluted and said “hello boss” to which i laughed and went to pack the rest of my things up, then waited for him to finish packing his own things.

in the distance i noticed tita conductor staring after the two of us from her owl-like perch with a very fond look on her face, and her gaze followed us to the rehearsal hall door, so before leaving the hall with principal trumpet we waved at her, to which she waved back at us 🥹🥹🥹🥹

however, principal trumpet and i had not gone 700 feet from the arts building when i suddenly got a notification on my watch, and for the second time in a week, tita conductor was calling me

i answered my phone and she asked “how far are you away from here, can you turn around?” like bestie if there is one thing we have established over the past (checks notes) one week, it’s that. i can turn around 😭

she wanted my dvořák part to make copies of, but principal trumpet’s task was time-sensitive and not able to be done without supervision, so i asked if tita conductor would be around in half an hour, to which she told me to come knock on her office door

i did as i was told after seeing principal trumpet off from the lab and i didn’t hear her yell COME IN the first time but her lights were on so i peeked through the blinds to see her… kind of looking like she was on the phone. so i stood and waited a little then peeked again and thought perhaps she was just propping her head on her hand while reading something so i knocked again and this time she yelled COME IN so i poked my head inside, thinking she was going to take us both to the copy room

she took a call with her daughter but let me know that i could be there. mortified, i desperately tried to be invisible, which was complicated by the fact that she then continued to make conversation with me with her daughter on the line. so that was unbearably awkward 😭

at one point she said “oh, nothing, i just have to learn dvořák 9 by thursday” looked straight at me and made a face LMFAOOOOO 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 i STILL can’t believe she’s doing this FOR USSS

ended up having to leave my dvořák part with her because it was missing bowings in the second and third movements. third time now that she’s preventing me from practicing (joke)(i know imslp exists)

scurried home and that was that

in the next episode: dvořák 9, for better or for worse…

[thequietpercussionist]

Please reblog for a larger sample size!

[shiitake-transcendent]

Hiding lore under the cut:

The Thems are an amateur band that play anywhere that will have them in the Land of Quint. As far as bands go, they aren't terribly uh. Good at it.

In order we have:

Adelaide (they/them), the group's lead singer and decent enough guitarist. They're a spirit from a dead world who manifested into physical form through spite and spite alone. They traveled for a long time before ending up in Quint and still haven't settled into the idea of staying here permanently.

The Mad Maestro (they/them), player of many instruments but favoring keyboard and keytar, depending on the day. As a holder of the title of Mad Maestro, they can bend reality to their will. Or, theoretically they can. Why would they do a thing like that? They're energetic and bombastic and really just happy to have some friends.

Tsundoku (she/they), the Thems' percussionist who's also been known to play the theremin on occasion. Her origins are unknown, though they seem to be a childhood friend of Maestro's. Their "body" is only a porcelain shell for some unknown horror within. Doku is quiet, and the most level headed of the group. This has resulted in an accidental "aura of mystery" that she would very much like to dispel, if only she could figure out how.

Anyway this concludes my initial lore ramblings on eldritch horror type beings in extremely mundane scenarios. Also these three idiots are roommates.

[screamingforyears]

IN A MINUTE: // A NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP….

“INTERSTITIAL ENMITY” is the lead single from @aberrationdeath’s forthcoming debut album titled ‘Refracture’ (3/22 @sentientruin) & it finds the Minneapolis-based quartet of JH (Aberrations), DH (Emanations), AW (Lacerations) & EC (Abominations) spreading their “Light-devouring abyssal death metal (featuring members of Void Rot, Suffering Hour & Nothingness)” vibe across 7 sprawled out mins of blackened DeathMetal.

“PASTEL PRISON” is the second single/lead track from @doodseskader’s forthcoming sophomore LP titled ‘Year Two’ (3/8) & it finds the Belgian duo of vocalist/bassist Tim De Gieter & vocalist/drummer Sigfried Burrough embracing their sensually soft side while dealing w/ an isolation that spawns a “longing & desire for companionship” across 4+ mins of grungily blown-out & caustically quiet DoomerNoize.

@lessercare are fucking back w/ “STREETWEAR,” a sampled taste from their forthcoming LP titled ‘Heel Turn’ (3/22) & it finds the EPTX-based duo of composer/lyricist/vocalist/guitarist Andres Chavez & drummer/percussionist/vocalist Zane Pacillas (w/ a special shoutout to bassist/guitarist Angel Yglecias) bringing those glammy gloomer goods across a surging 3:43 clip of six-string ringing, low-end pushing & passionately cooed PostPunk.

“SPLICE” is the lead single/track from @m00npuss’ forthcoming LP titled ‘Death Is Coming’ (5/3 @tgic_recs) & it finds the Denver based trio of vocalist/bassist Crissy Cuellar, guitarist Ethan A Hahn & drummer Cory Hager stutteringly agitating their way across 3 mins of murkily morose & start/stopping NoiseRock.

////

[dustedmagazine]

Elena Setién — Moonlit Reveries (Thrill Jockey)

Photo by Pablo Axpe

Elena Setién’s soft, eerie songs blend folk and jazz, pop and torch music in shivering nocturnal trance-states that haunt the space they live in. She has not, up to now, been much concerned with rhythm or propulsion — hers are not generally songs that make you want to move — but that all changed when she decided to collaborate with Wilco percussionist Glenn Kotche.

The two met when Kotche toured Spain with Wilco in 2022 and soon began conspiring to splice Kotche’s beats to Setién’s witchy melodies. Kotche’s A Beat a Week drum instruction manual served as a jumping off point. Setién constructed “Surfacing” and “Arrival” atop percussive patterns from the book. The process turned collaborative with Setién sending her ideas off to Kotche, him altering or embellishing them and sending them back. The idea of beats filtered into the other instrumentation as well. Setién’s guitar playing, while quiet, has a sharp rhythmic edge. One track, “Pintado II” grew out of Kotche’s On Fillmore project; it emerges as an intricate mesh of tonal percussion and Setién’s narcotic voice.

These are two very different artists who converge without compromising. The music exists in a neutral area that is distinct from either player’s comfort zone. “Asking” for instance, lets fly a rambunctious spray of percussion, a bit that rattles and clatters and intermittently explodes, rampaging all over the kit in a repeating pattern. It runs under the whole song, an ongoing undercurrent of punch and aggression that transforms Setién’s fluid melody, giving it urgency and fire. A cacophony of mallet play — xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, something like that — cascades in like splinters of multi-colored glass. The tune is sharper, more insistent than it might otherwise have been.

The title track is subtler in the way it employs rhythm, framing a baroque folk fairy tale narrative in ghostly motifs of harpsicord, guitar and glockenspiel. “When all our queens/Left wandering/They walked through fields/Through valleys deep,” croons Setién, in a fay, wondering way, amid glittering sonic architectures. Yet even the tracks where Kotche didn’t participate, especially “Coloured Lizards” have a syncopated swagger, a stop start guitar pattern anchoring Setién’s folk romantic delivery. She sounds a little like Josephine Foster on this one.

The idea of collaboration is to take you out of your own head, to prompt new ideas and approaches, and Moonlight Reveries clearly accomplishes that. This album won’t shock or alienate longtime fans of Setién—it’s not that far from what she was doing in Unfamiliar Minds—but it does extend the idea of what this songwriter is capable of. Bravo for that and for the risk worth taking.

Jennifer Kelly

[tytarax]

gen z, or just any reader, looks like they were picked up on the street like a wet garbage puppy and left nearby because at first it was a pity, and then they got used to and attached to the creature in their space (I feel this energy from Zeno and the Grand Priest)

Any humor and jokes are inappropriate, the person is extremely annoying, but as long as it's fun for Zeno and directs his energy in the right direction, is everything okay? At least when a person goes home, everything is quiet and peaceful in the House of God.

It's like another toy for Zenon, who would lose interest even in Goku. I guess?

And then probably Zenon (And Daishinkan!) start wanting interaction with the reader, they start to like their presence, it's tolerated.(I'm not sure, but let's pretend they genuinely want to)

Lmao maybe Both Zeno and Daishinkan are starting to understand the damn memes and communicate on them

And imagine how that will change. The gods, accustomed to the background human noise, discover the silence that destroys the "vibes atmosphere"

(no, no, I don't mean the person's rapid old age and death!)

I couldn't help it, I love memes, enjoy this shit

The Grand Priest sighed as he glanced at the human sprawled on the pristine steps of Zeno’s palace, their odd human device glowing with shifting images. The mortal had been unceremoniously “picked up” by Zeno during a routine inspection of Universe 7. At first, they had been just another curiosity—like a kitten too scrawny to leave behind. Now, weeks later, their persistent chatter filled the once-silent halls.

Zeno perched on his floating throne, his childlike face bright with curiosity. “What’s this one mean again?” he asked, pointing at the glowing screen.

The human, unfazed by addressing the Omni-King, lazily waved their hand. “It’s a meme. This one’s ‘me when I stub my toe at 3 a.m.’” They made a pained face for emphasis.

Zeno clapped his hands. “So funny! Show me another!”

The Grand Priest, ever composed, tilted his head. “Lord Zeno, perhaps it’s time for today’s council session—”

Zeno cut him off with a wave of his hand. “Later. Show me the ‘cat screaming at salad’ again!”

The human complied with a theatrical sigh, muttering about how they needed a nap and a snack. Somehow, the Grand Priest found himself glancing over their shoulder. He didn’t quite understand the humor but felt something shift in his perception of the human. They weren’t just noise anymore.

The turning point came when the human left for the day.

Zeno tapped his fingers against his throne. “It’s quiet,” he said, frowning. “Too quiet.”

The Grand Priest, for the first time in millennia, found himself unsettled. The silence he had once cherished now felt oppressively vast. The palace was too orderly, the air too still.

“Shall I summon them back, Lord Zeno?” he asked, his voice measured but laced with an unfamiliar edge of yearning.

“Yes!” Zeno exclaimed. “And make sure they bring more ‘memes.’”

The Grand Priest hesitated. He couldn’t admit it, but he missed the mortal, too. Their chaos had woven itself into the very fabric of the palace. “As you wish,” he said, hiding his relief.

When the human returned, munching on some snack they claimed was “essential,” Zeno lit up like a supernova.

“I brought new memes,” they declared, holding up their device.

The Grand Priest offered a rare smile. “Welcome back.”

And with that, the palace hummed with life once more, the silence banished, replaced by the absurdity of human existence—and the unexpected comfort it brought.

@ultimate-percussionist

[aaronpaceluvbot]

mago (aaron pace x reader)

Title: MAGO

Summary: in which you and aaron are best friends, and he realizes things a little late (better late than never!). 

wc: 1.1k

Before you read: very loosely based off of the song mago by gfriend but not really?? but also kind of?? Also this is my warmup to get back into writing writing again! probably a little choppy and it’s not proofread so if there’s major issues lmk! gender neutral reader ?? but reader doesn’t get referred to by anything at all!

You remember when you first met aaron. The two of you were in elementary school and he sat next to you in class. Both of you were both pretty quiet kids, minding your own business and interacting with each other only when necessary. The seating arrangement was perfect for the two of you since you’d both rather focus on what you were working on than conversing with others. However, this was soon to be ruined. 

Your teacher changed the seating chart and now you were stuck next to kids that you didn’t know and quite frankly, stressed you out. They were loud and you couldn’t focus and all you could think was that you wanted Aaron back. So, during recess you approached him with an upset look on your face as you asked if he’d be willing to go with you to ask your teacher to put you two next to each other again. You were surprised when he said yes, but as it turns out - the two of you were in the same dilemma. You were both stuck next to seatmates that were for lack of better terms, not your favorite. You’d rather sit next to each other. 

After recess, the two of you made your trek back to class a little bit earlier so that you could ask your teacher about the new seating arrangement. “Ms. Smith?” You ask, peeking your head through the door. She was sitting at her desk and she made a come hither motion, so the two of you stepped into her classroom. 

“What’s wrong? Are you two in trouble? If so I’d be shocked-” She gets cut off by Aaron. 

“No… We just want to sit next to each other… We’d rather sit next to each other since it’s harder to focus with the people we sit by,” he says quickly. You’re surprised that he came up with that good of a reason that quickly. Your teacher nods.

“I see… well your grades have been a bit lower and you two have seemed to be less attentive in class, so I’ll make some changes to the seating chart for tomorrow, but for now, the two of you can sit together in the back at the half table, alright?” The two of you nod and thank her and head back to your new seats. 

When you two sat down, he was about to say something, but you beat him to it. “Here, this is for you,” you say, handing him one of your many friendship bracelets. He examines it and looks back up at you with a confused look. 

“What is this?” He asks, fidgeting with beads and sliding them around on the string.

“It’s a friendship bracelet! Since we’re friends now, right?” you ask, now afraid that he might decline. He slips it on.

“Friends.” 

—

The two of you head off to middle school, excited as can be. You both were joining band! You two were in the same class and you both branched out and met more people. You became friends with Cadence, Susie and Tom and Aaron became friends with other percussionists. Even though you both were making more friends, you still kept in contact and would talk to each other in your other classes. This stayed the same until high school, when you befriended a certain trumpet named Peter Dang. He was sweet, but he was sweet to everyone. But a friend to all, is a friend to none. He wasn’t the one that you grew up with and he certainly wasn’t the one who would be there for you all those times.

Aaron was the one who watched you run out of homecoming Junior year because Peter had the audacity to break up with you in the middle of the dance, even though you were his date. He chased after you, but not before giving Peter the dirtiest look he could muster. He found you in the parking lot, sitting on the curb by where you parked your car. When he sat next to you that night, he realized two things. He’s had a crush on you ever since you two were little kids and that you deserved a lot better than Peter. 

He let you bawl your eyes out into the fabric of his uncomfy suit as he tried to soothe you and make you feel better. “I really thought he was the one,” he heard you murmur. You shook your head and let out a dry laugh. “I guess not then.” The two of you stay like that, closer than you two had been in a while. 

“He wouldn’t be the one for you anyways. I’m pretty sure that if you asked him what color your eyes were, he wouldn’t know,” he mutters. When he realizes that you heard that, he makes a face and immediately opens his mouth to apologize. Instead of being upset, you laugh.

“I’m pretty sure he didn’t, if I’m being honest,” you say, shaking your head at yourself. “But it’s fine. At least I know you’ll always be with me. You’re such a good friend, you know that?” You ask, finally choosing to look him in the eye. Those words brought an odd pain to him. This wasn’t the first time that your friendship was referenced, but hearing it coming from you felt odd. It felt odd and it hurt that you didn’t see him as anything that could be more than friends.

“You know, this feels so silly, but a few months before I met Peter last year, I had the biggest crush on you. But I never really said anything until now because I was afraid that you’d hate me or something, but you probably wouldn’t because it’s in the past now, right?” you ramble. He internally winces. He had a chance to be with you all along? 

“I would care actually because I have a crush on you right now. I’ve had a crush on you since we were little kids,” he thinks. Your eyes go wide and he feels himself burning up. Did he say that out loud?

“Aaron,” you murmur, looking him in the eye. “Are you sure?” You ask, looking slightly upset. He nods. 

“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable or anything like that-”

“No. No it’s not that. Not at all. I feel relieved actually,” you say, giving him a soft smile. “I’ve liked you since you went with me to ask our teacher to switch our seats so we could sit together. I guess I just gave up hope on you liking me back, so I decided to ignore my feelings for you.” He nods at your words and pulls you closer. 

“Is that why you dated him?” You shrug at his words. 

“Not sure. It was probably for a lot of reasons that I won’t understand later on, but if I’m being honest there’s one thing I’ll always understand.” You leave it at that, and Aaron immediately knows what you’re referencing. 

-