Short stories featuring musical instruments and those who play them!
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The town of Harmony Hill was famed for its musical heritage. Name an instrument and they had a maestro. From Pauline the pianist to Donald the trumpeter, they had them all.
Bob played the banjo. Bill played the banjo too. They took turns playing in local pubs, at annual events and for private functions. They each had their own set of followers which claimed their banjoist was the finest!
The town’s annual music festival was a huge event. Every musician was given the chance to entertain the crowd. But two banjos? That was too much so the Mayor suggested a playoff to decide whether Bob or Bill should feature next year.
It was held in a barn on Fred’s farm, Bob’s fans to the left, Bill’s on the right. Bob played his signature piece, Bob his. It was impossible to determine who was the most proficient.
The Mayor had an idea. He stood between them, dropped a glove on the floor and declared there would be a duel.
Bob and Bill stood back to back.
The Mayor stamped his foot and they started pacing away from eachother.
One, two, three, four …
The audience was held its breath.
Five, six, seven, eight…
The atmosphere was electric.
Nine, ten …
They both turned. They both strummed the same chord. There was not a split second between them.
The Mayor declared it a draw and announced that they would have to play a duet at the festival. He asked them to choose a piece to play.
Bob looked at Bill. Bill smiled at Bob. Bob nodded, and to thunderous applause, they started to play the obvious choice – Duelling Banjos!
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Years past
2020 – Stories featuring obsolete words starting with B
2019 – Stories for children – B
2018 – My Friend Rosey – B
2017 – The village of Amble Bay – B
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Duelling Banjos
Fantastic! I can hear the tune so clearly. I absolutely love your alliteration.
Thanks for your lovely comment Steph, it’s much appreciated.
I enjoyed the duet between Kermit and Steve. I am sure Bill and Bob’s duet would have been fabulous too
No doubt about that! Thanks Anne.
Thanks for the video. Made me smile. (I have a crush on Kermie).
Not many people would admit to that Denise!
I’ve always been a maverick, lol. Of course, I would have to do battle with Miss Piggy for him.
Best of luck with that!
Fun!
Thank you!
Very enjoyable story Keith
Thanks Sadje.
You’re welcome 😉
Superb – the story and the duelling.
Thanks for kind words Bob.
Smart way to buy peace…
It was worth a try! Cheers Unishta.
Yay! I think that is a perfect non-compromise compromise. I love dueling instrument performances when both players are really good and it’s like they are fighting but they are not. I can totally see this. Also, wow with the alliteration in this one. I feel like reading this post out loud several times would be a really good tongue twister. I like it.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment Anne, it’s much appreciated.
Of course the title made me think of ‘Deliverance’ straight away, I’m glad the story ended up in a much happier ending!
https://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/02/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-b/
It certainly did Iain!
Hmmm…wonder if a certain political figure was the inspiration behind calling the trumpeter Donald because it strays from your usual alliterative pairings. If yes, then it’s rather clever. Hee! Hee!
Happy endings are good:)
Haha, I wondered if anyone would spot that! And yes Arti, they are.
Sounds like a good solution to me! Weekends In Maine
It served its purpose!
Uh-oh Keith – I’m holding you responsible for the earworm planted.
Oh dear, I can only appologise Deborah!
Entertainment at its finest!
That’s what I thought! Nothing like a good old banjo bash!
I still like the kid against the man in “Deliverance” scene. It is just right!
Me too!
They are the best, and you too 😉 Well done! And the video is fun to play.
You say the nicest things! Thanks so much.
duelling banjoists, love it, and the solution at the end!
A satisfactory conclusion! Thanks so much.
I love the way you play with words! Great wee story. Now if only all wars could be solved like that…
If only! I’m really pleased you liked it Jenne.
Heeheehee! Yes, i remember when Dueling Banjos was a big hit. They ought to enjoy it at the music fest.
Me too. It’s not the most melodic of instruments but that piece isn’t too bad!
Of course, Dueling Banjos! You appear to be many hours ahead of me, Keith, so I am heading straight to your letter “C” in the early afternoon of my day “B”. Don’t want to fall behind.
I tend to post mine just after midnight UK time Gail. I like to be ahead of the game!
Love this story!
I’m pleased, thanks so much Paula.