The Beat

In the heart of the lush forest, a group of birds huddled together one sunny day, their feathers ruffled with excitement. They had a grand vision – to form a band, secure a recording contract, and embark on a concert tour through the towering trees and rustling leaves. The forest had never seen anything like it.

The ensemble was diverse, boasting an array of singers ranging from the deep bass croaks of Barry the Bullfinch to the melodious soprano trills of Sarah the Songbird. However, there was one crucial position left unfilled – the drummer.

Two contenders emerged from the feathered crowd: Percival the Partridge and Walter the Woodpecker. Both were eager to showcase their rhythmic talents and claim the coveted role. The forest buzzed with anticipation as the band decided to host a contest to determine who would be the master of the forest drum.

The stage was set, quite literally, on a sturdy oak branch. Barry, with his rich bass, served as the emcee. The birds gathered, perched on branches, leaves, and even a mushroom or two, eager to witness the rhythmic showdown.

Percival stepped up first, his wings tapping a lively beat on a log on the forest floor. His rhythmic patterns echoed through the trees, creating a dance of sound that resonated with the melodies of the forest. The judges – a trio of wise old owls – nodded approvingly.

Then came Walter, the woodpecker with a beak for beats. He perched on an old log, drumming with a rapid-fire precision that mimicked the staccato rhythm of raindrops on leaves. The forest creatures were mesmerized by the syncopation of his drumming.

The judges, faced with a tough decision, decided to introduce an unexpected twist. Why not have two bands share the stage, each featuring one of the talented drummers? The forest could resonate with the harmonious blend of beats and melodies, creating a symphony of sound.

And so, two bands emerged from the contest – “Percival and the Partridges” and “Walter and the Woodpeckers.” The forest became their concert hall, and the trees swayed to the rhythm of the beats, leaves rustling in applause.

The bands toured the forest, enchanting every creature with their unique blend of melodies and rhythms. The owl critics declared it the finest showcase of forest talent they had ever seen. They were inspired to create their own band which later became, “The Guess Who”. Paul, a Bald Eagle, was so inspired he formed his own band, “Paul Revere and the Raiders”.

The lesson echoed through the rustling leaves: In the business world, it’s not always about competition. Sometimes, different strokes for different folks can create a harmonious collaboration, and the forest drum became a symbol of unity in the midst of diverse talents.

And so, under the verdant canopy, “Percival and the Partridges” and “Walter and the Woodpeckers” proved that in the world of music – and business – finding the right rhythm and beat could lead to a symphony of success where everyone shared the stage.