I had a great time helping author Cheryl Dykema with some bass-related advice for her new children’s book about a double bassist.
Titled My Doghouse Bass and written for children 11 years and up, this book is a lighthearted exploration of the world of school music.
Here’s what Cheryl has to say about her new book, which was illustrated by Sarah Latham:
This book grew out of my love for my cellist-playing nephew. I drove four hours round-trip to see him perform in school concerts in the Metro Detroit area. I loved to see him all dressed in black with his hands and fingers moving up and down the fingerboard with such precision. I wanted him to never give up on learning this instrument. I had given up the violin after very little effort, and where did that get me? Living with a ton of regret for giving up so easily!
Cheryl Dykema, author of My Doghouse Bass
About the Book
Rocco Carver, a double bassist in his early twenties, reflects on his journey of learning to play the double bass in school. Join Rocco and his friends—Cilla, Percy, Caden, Allie and Jubilee—as they take on the world of school music.
Each story in the book contains several chapters, and can stand on its own independently of the other stories. As the stories progress, Rocco and his friends get older, so it’s fun to progress linearly through the book and “grow older” with them.
About Each Story
Story One: Rocco Carver: The Early Years
Meet main character and double bassist Rocco, who met most of his friends in his school music program. Like many kids, Rocco started in fourth grade on the recorder, and he picked up the double bass in fifth grade with his teacher Miss Lorentz. He liked the coolness and sound of the bass, and within a few weeks he had a 1/4 size bass of his own at home.
Story Two: Cilla Graham: Her Poor Mother
Cilla picked up the trumpet in fifth grade, which caused chaos at home due to the loudness of the instrument. She eagerly teaches Rocco some of the basics of the trumpet and how it was used in jazz by players like Dizzy Gillespie. Rocco despairs as his double bass skills lag behind the other students.
Story Three: Mrs. Fernby: Our Substitute Music Teacher
Rocco and his friends are surprised by a long-term substitute music teacher. The cold teaching style of the substitute turned this into the longest ten weeks of their life.
Story Four: Percy Martin: Pigeonholed
Percy and Rocco met while playing with Legos in third grade. Percy plays the trombone, and he and Rocco share similar practicing struggles. Things change for Rocco as he started to take his double bass studies more seriously, and Percy falls in with a rough crowd.
Story Five: Caden Reece: A Shooting Star
Rocco’s friend Caden seemed destined to be a jazz musician, and he teaches Rocco a great deal about the art form. Rocco discovers the combination of talent and practicing that goes into being a great musician. Drama erupts at the Band-O-Mania, and Caden shares some startling news.
Story Six: Allie Hanes: The Horn of Her Dreams
Allie’s home life is turned upside down by her parents’ divorce, and she escapes into the world of trumpet and music. Allie experiences the highs and lows of auditioning, and music scholarships yield unexpected results.
Story Seven: Rocco Carver and Caden Reece: The Big Audition
Everything hinges on the audition for Caden’s new jazz combo Mama’s Got Soul. Friendships turn into rivalries during the audition process, and stage fright rears its ugly head as a big day approaches.
Story Eight: Mama’s Got Soul: Electrifying the World
Expectations are high from combo leader Caden in his group Mama’s Got Soul. The young musicians experience the highs and lows of the gig scene, and their hard work pays off in surprising ways.
Final Thoughts
My Doghouse Bass is a great read for anyone age 11 years old and up. The writing style is energetic and positive, and there’s plenty of intrigue and drama to propel the reader through this book quickly.
You can pick up a copy here, and you can also connect with author Cheryl Dykema on Facebook.
A big thanks to Madeleine Crouch, general manager for the International Society of Bassists, for connecting Cheryl and me!
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