Isaiah Slife, a 10-year-old drumming prodigy, may be losing his spot with the Rifle High School drumline, but the potential for a new Gifted and Talented program could pave the way for fresh opportunities.
Isaiah, who attends Highland Elementary School in Rifle, has been drumming since he was two. His mother, Kristy Slife, is actively seeking more advanced drumming opportunities for him. “There’s really not much available locally,” she said. “We’ve gone to Denver for School of Rock, and there’s a place in Basalt we’re considering starting in January. He’s participated with our church, but options are limited.”
Over the years, Isaiah has immersed himself in various drumming experiences, including drumline, marching, and band camps. “Before we even started with instruments, we practiced marching,” he recalled. His mother once asked the high school band director, Bill Ishee, if Isaiah could join the older students. “I said, ‘I know this is crazy, but could you look at these videos?’ He watched and said, ‘bring him up here,’” Kristy recounted.
At just eight years old, Isaiah dedicated himself to learning to read music to perform with the high school drumline. He possesses a remarkable ability to match what he hears. “He can hear music and pick it up quickly,” Kristy said. While he can play full drums, he currently prefers the snare. “It’s because I can play with others,” Isaiah explained, joking about its weight.
Isaiah participated in various high school events, including varsity games and homecoming celebrations. “The kids in the drumline treated him like a peer,” Kristy noted. “They watched their language but included him in the playing.”
However, when Isaiah attempted to return to the drumline this year, he was denied. Kristy and Isaiah appealed to the Garfield Re-2 School Board on August 28, but the board sided with the high school’s decision. “They expressed concerns about his experience due to the new principal and music teacher,” Kristy shared.
Isaiah expressed his disappointment, drumming his hands on the bleachers. “I feel left out, like I can’t play anymore,” he said, recalling how well he connected with the high schoolers.
The response cited his age as the reason for exclusion. Kristy mentioned that students from the high school have reached out, asking when he would return to play. The most surprising aspect for her was that all administrators agreed Isaiah shouldn’t have been drumming in the first place, despite his participation in public events.
Some have voiced concerns about elementary students mixing with high schoolers, but Kristy questioned this reasoning. “We do it at all the camps he attends. He was at a football camp run by high schoolers,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Kristy praised the music teacher at Highland Elementary, Taylor Smith, for actively seeking opportunities for Isaiah to drum. “She’s always looking for ways for him to participate,” Kristy stated.
The Garfield Re-2 School Board confirmed their support for Isaiah and is exploring options for him in the Gifted and Talented program. “We foster students with talents in music, art, or athletics, providing support from G/T coordinators,” said Simone Richardson, elementary district education coordinator for Garfield Re-2. “They work on leadership, music reading, and teaching skills.”
If accepted, Isaiah would collaborate with his music teacher to further develop his performance skills. The program also seeks to provide resources for parents and maintains a focus on academics.
To begin the process, the state requires a portfolio showcasing a child’s talent progression, which can take years. “They look for skill development over time,” Richardson explained, noting that true giftedness is distinguished by consistent growth.
Participants in the Gifted and Talented program receive an Advanced Learning Plan, focusing on specific academic and emotional support.
Meanwhile, Isaiah stays active in sports like football and wrestling, and he continues to develop his drumming skills with an online teacher from New York. His favorite aspects of drumming? “Learning new music and playing with the high schoolers,” he shared.
Kristy emphasized that their home is filled with drumsticks and pads. “He’s the guy with the drums,” she said proudly.
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