Trending
People are applauding kid’s ‘recovery’ to cymbal breaking during performance
While it starts out as a mishap - it's how the boy handles the situation that's earned over 10.9M views.
Jenny Brown
10.01.21

When something embarrassing happens in front of a crowd, it’s normal to want to hide under a rock. Yet, that’s not always possible, and you might have to find a quick solution.

After a young band member from Illinois ran into a mishap during a concert, he had to think on his toes with dozens of eyes on him. How he recovered? Let’s just say it’s a clip that’s been watched more than 10.9 million times for a reason.

YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617

You gotta give credit to any kid that joins the school band. Not only does it take a lot of hard work and dedication – they often perform in front of parents, teachers, and peers (which has gotta be the most frightening).

The video below takes place at the EJH Red & White Concert. FYI, the band member to focus on is the cymbals player.

YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617

To get things started, the kids were set to perform our national anthem. After it was announced over the microphone, everyone rose and pointed their direction towards the flag out of respect.

All the students began playing the patriotic tune with their instruments. While many of them sat in chairs, the cymbalist (along with several others) – stood front and center behind the flag.

YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617

Every once in a while the boy would crash his cymbals loudly. Surely they had practiced numerous times, so he knew exactly when to do so.

Things were going fine and smooth, that is until the musician’s seventh crash. Out of nowhere one of the cymbal’s handles busted off and the instrument fell loudly to the floor.

While we don’t know exactly how he felt at that moment – surely his heart jumped a bit. Inside his head likely he was screaming… “Nooooo!”

YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617

The kids standing next to him seemed to sense their classmate’s pain. Although they continued to play the drums, they kept glancing over (probably thanking their lucky stars it wasn’t them).

So, how exactly does a cymbalist recover in a situation like this? I mean, you can’t exactly play the cymbals with only one cymbal.

What he did was both brilliant and heartwarming.

YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617

The boy slowly bent down and placed his other cymbal on the floor. His eyes were wide as saucers, but then it hits him what to do.

He salutes the American flag.

YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617

For the rest of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the cymbalist stands like a statue facing the flag – while saluting it respectfully. He managed to take an embarrassing situation and recovered in the most epic way. Bravo, kid.

While the female drummer next to him couldn’t stop giggling, most other people have applauded the middle-schooler for his patriotic move. The clip quickly went viral after being posted online.

Unsplash - Meadow Marie
Source:
Unsplash - Meadow Marie

People have shared positive comments in response to the “cymbal fail.” One man wrote:

“Congrats kid, you handled that like a boss! Saluting the flag was exactly what you should have done. All performers have moments like this. All that matters is how you handle it.”

YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - sarona2617

Another person shared:

“What an excellent and respectful boy. He did everyone proud. So he dropped a cymbal, he didnt make a fuss, he just continued with the greatest respect to his flag. Good on you mate!”

It probably seemed like an embarrassing moment at the time, but this kid deserves major props for such an amazing and classy recovery. Check it out in the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.
Advertisement