Attending a school music competition the other day, where pupils aged 11-18 were playing a piece of their choice (mostly classical instruments), imagine my sudden surprise when this 11-year-old boy turns up and the teacher hesitantly announces the title: 'Musicology by...' (the teacher had to double check) ... I could help fill it in for him: 'Prince!'. The boy played amazingly.

Then, I looked it up and I found this:

https://www.trinityrock.com/instruments/drums/grade5

In your Grade 5 exam you’ll play a set list of three songs. Two of these will be from our Grade 5 songbook, including a technical focus (TF) song which focuses on two specific technical skills which run throughout the song, so you can demonstrate these techniques seamlessly in your performance. Your other song can be from our Grade 5 songbook, or can be a song of your own choice, a song that you’ve written, or a cover version that you’ve arranged.

These songs are included in the Grade 5 Drums songbook:

PEARL JAM Alive (TF) THE BEATLES Here Comes The Sun PRINCE Musicology QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE No One Knows (TF) AC/DC Riff Raff (TF) STEVIE WONDER Sir Duke OCEAN COLOUR SCENE The Riverboat Song AMY WINEHOUSE You Know I'm No Good

[Edited 3/3/23 6:17am]

Nice.

PJMcGee said:

Was the audience into it? I can't imagine a crowd not moving to that beat.

My sitting neighbour and I were discreetly dancing in our chair and I noticed many feet moving to the beat. I really wanted to get up and dance but the setting didn't lend itself to it sadly. Made me miss the good ol' 21 Nights in London aftershow parties even more... This kid would have made Prince so proud.

Great story. Thanks for sharing.