1 . My name is Sara. When I was little, I played the drums. I also had a guitar. In fourth grade, I started playing the trombone (长号). I practiced about four hours a week. All of this might not seem like a big deal for a lot of kids, but there’s something about me that makes me a bit different from others. I was born without hands. Since I was about one year old, I’ve worn prosthetics (假手).
This year, I got an invitation to join the high school marching band (行进管乐队). I told my mom I wanted to do it. But I had an instructor who thought I would not be able to march in the band—not because it was a high school band and I’m only in seventh grade, but probably because my body is different. All I wanted was to show that I could do it, so I joined the band. And it paid off!
Music gives me energy. That happens sometimes. One time I was so down, I didn’t even want to get out of bed. Then I hit my mp3 player by accident. A song came on, and I got up and started dancing. It helped me say to myself, “OK, I can get through today.”
Around my musician friends, we all share the same problems, like working out how many beats there are to a measure. I have a hard time counting the beats, but so do a lot of the other kids. It’s a normal problem that we musicians share. When I’m with the band, I don’t feel as different as I do in other situations. It’s just another way that music makes me want to go on, and not to just sit down by myself and not care about life.
1. In what way is Sara different from other kids?| A．There’s something wrong with her body. |
| B．She knows how to play many instruments. |
| C．She learned to play the drums at a very early age. |
| D．She kept playing the trombone for the longest hours. |
| A．said no at first | B．had no idea what to do |
| C．followed the instructor’s advice | D．believed that she would make it |
| A．Bored. | B．Relaxed. | C．Successful. | D．Afraid. |
| A．A high school band | B．A young drummer |
| C．The music of me | D．My magic hands |
2 . Top Music Festivals in 2022
Ultra Music Festival
Seen as the ultimate gathering for electronic music fans across the nation and globe, the streets of Miami turn into a bold (大胆的) and bumping party with popular DJs playing what will be the sounds of summer.
When & where: May 26-28, 2022; Miami
South By South West
Regarded as the ultimate trend-setter and launcher of careers. SXSW is an annual showcase of music, films and interactive highlights enjoyed through performances, showcases, talks, screenings and more. Virtually taking over the city of Austin, everyone in the world of music from fans to media flock here to discover the next big thing.
When & where: May 16-20, 2022; Austin
Coachella
Selling out fast every year, the Indio desert becomes a fashionable place where the coolest bands are watched by fashionable people and celebrities. Near the top of everyone’s bucket list of festivals, Coachella is a constant source of annual expectation and a hotbed for musical discussion.
When where: June 9-11& 16-18, 2022; Indio
The Governors Ball Music Festival
Another event which proves the music loving potential of Randall’s Island Park is Governors Ball, an exciting and infectious mix of rock, hip-hop, electronic, pop and folk. Providing a variety of music and food tastes, whether you look to kick back and relax or dance to the beats, Governors Ball has what you want.
When & where: June 11-14, 2022; New York
1. What is special about Ultra Music Festival?| A．It’s held in a park. |
| B．It features electronic music. |
| C．It’s a gathering of popular DJs. |
| D．It’s the most popular in the country. |
| A．Coachella. | B．Ultra Music Festival. |
| C．South By South West. | D．The Governors Ball Music Festival. |
| A．Indio. | B．Austin. | C．Miami. | D．New York. |
