A Place for the Band

Thomas and Isabel play in the school band. They plan to practise in the courtyard. Thomas brings his guitar. Isabel carries a small drum and two sticks.

As they set up, rain begins to fall. Thomas puts his guitar back in its case. “We cannot play out here,” says Isabel. They carry the instruments under a roof.

The music room is being used by another group. Thomas looks through the window, then steps back. “We need a different place,” he says. Isabel thinks about the covered walkway.

They ask their teacher, Mrs Lake. “The end of the walkway is free,” she says. “Keep the path clear for people walking past.” The friends take their instruments there.

Thomas puts his case beside the wall. Isabel sets the drum away from the path. They begin a quiet song. People can still walk past them easily.

The rain taps on the roof above them. Isabel plays a beat to match it. “That rain joined our band,” says Thomas. They laugh and play the song again.