A right of passage in elementary or middle school is picking a musical instrument to play. From violin to clarinet to trumpet to the piano, there are a plethora of instruments kids can choose from. But one that not many select is the tuba. The clunky yet powerful brass instrument is a unique choice--one that 14-year-old Lee Washington proudly stands by--and so does his family.
As many know, practicing with your instrument can be loud and headache inducting for everyone in the house. But the Washington family (@thewashfam) decided to show their support for Lee and encourage him to play popular songs that he loves. They started sharing 'Big Tuba Energy' videos on Instagram, highlighting the latest tunes Lee has learned and turning them into dance parties. "One thing about us we are going to support! We love our tuba player! Drop down what song he should do next?" they wrote in the video's caption.
In the video montage, Lee's mom Linda is seen getting down with a glass of wine in her hand to her son playing Michael Jackson's "Thriller", before switching to another clip of both parents boogying to Lee playing Journey's "Eye of the Tiger". In another clip, Linda is rocking out to The White Stripes' "7 Nation Army" played by Lee, Tyler the Creator's "Sticky", and more. The final clip is of nearly 10 people jamming out to Lee's awesome tunes.
And viewers on Instagram are loving the family support. "I love this!!! 💯💯💯💯 Even if he doesn’t keep doing music in the future these memories are forever engraved in his memory and your memories!!! Keep going lil fella and keep going parents!!! Love it!!! 💯💯💯💯💯," one wrote. Another commented, "With a family like that behind him, little man is going to be unstoppable." And another shared, "Music teacher here and it warms my heart so much that you’re encouraging in such a playful and family-centered way. Your kid is gonna be unstoppable as a musician in 10-20 years. When and if he decides to go to conservatory, he’ll be miles ahead of his peers PLUS he’ll have a love of playing and his instrument… not just a desire to be the best. THATS what makes a great musician. Bravo to you all!"
Plus, plenty of viewers shared their song requests, including: Jasmine Sullivan's "Bust Your Windows", Beyonce's "Cuff It" and "Irreplaceable" and more.
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In another video, Lee's dad Randy is shown grooving to him playing The Weeknd's song "Save Your Tears". "POV: when you support all of your teenager's hobbies," they wrote in the video. In the clip, Randy sings along as well and completely vibes to Lee's jam. One thing about us we going to support my boy 🤣🤣. This what our tuba nights looks like! I’m so proud of him! My little tuba player! 🥰🥰🙌🏽🙌🏽 forever his # 1 fan!," the caption reads.
And viewers were equally obsessed with this one too. "Parents gone always rock out to whatever them babies doing 🤣🤣🤣🤣," one wrote. And another added, "Get it Dad🔥."
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