Jeff Taylor said despite a few blunders, there was something special about the first time he hit a kettledrum with a mallet.
"I had seen other kids play Timpani in band back in eighth grade, mainly I wanted to try them," the Waltham High School student said. "I had no idea what I was doing ... it was messy and I didn't have great mallets ... but the problems kind of solved themselves."
Taylor, 15, was chosen from hundreds of students across the state as one of two timpanists to play in the 2008 Massachusetts Music Educators' Association All State Festival and Concert Saturday at Boston Symphony Hall.
The concert coincides with the association's yearly conference. While Taylor is playing before an audience of music lovers, music teachers from across the state will be attending seminars in the area.
"It's a unique experience. Waltham doesn't have a huge music program so if a person makes All State it's a big deal," Taylor said. "I never expected this to happen."
Taylor said he began playing the instrument in November 2005, but didn't develop a passion for it until this year.
"When I started I really didn't practice much at all. I was not motivated in the least," he said. "But then this past summer I really wanted to make senior districts."
Taylor auditioned for the Senior District Festival and was selected to play in a concert last November.
His music teacher, Kevin Burke, said the state is split into five regional districts. Students from each district audition to play in the festival. Waltham falls into the eastern district with 30 other cities and towns.
"It's just a great opportunity for students to take it to the next level," Burke said.
At the Senior District Festival in January, Taylor received a high enough score to be invited to audition for the all state concert - he made the final cut for Saturday's performance.
Burke said the concert, which will feature the all state orchestra and all state band is the result of five state districts sending their top musicians to perform. Taylor will play timpani with the band.
Taylor said he plans to continue playing the instrument even after he graduates from high school.
"I'm not sure about majoring in music but I know I want to continue doing this on the side," he said. "I definitely plan on playing timpani when I get to college."
For more information on the conference and concert visit http://mmeaonline.org/concert/concert_index.htm
Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or at jgilbrid@cnc.com
