Jeremiah Travis, 5-Year-Old Drumming Prodigy, Receives Full Band Scholarship Offer from HBCU Alcorn State University

This five-year-old boy is assured of a spot in college by 2032 due to his exceptional skill in playing the drums. It all began on his first Christmas.

While most five-year-olds are busy learning their ABC’s, Jeremiah Travis has scored himself a college scholarship.

By the year 2032, the child prodigy from Greensburg, Louisiana is assured of a spot at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. That’s because the institution gave him a scholarship grant due to his unique talent in playing the drums.

HOW HE DEVELOPED HIS LOVE FOR DRUMS

Travis is currently enrolled in kindergarten at St. Helena Early Learning Center but he also plays the snare drum for nearby St. Helena College and Career Academy.

“He’s always loved to beat on something,” his mother, Nicole Jackson told “Today” of her son’s exceptional skill in playing the drums.

"We’ve got drum sticks everywhere. My table gets beaten up. My pots and pans. The basketball. My car headrest. Even the church pew,"

His interest in the instrument began as early as his first Christmas according to Nicole who revealed she and Jeremiah’s father, James Travis III gifted him with one.

“He never stopped playing with it,” she said. “He’s still obsessed with drums.”

HONING HIS SKILL

With Jeremiah’s 16-year-old cousin, Kenya Brooks’ help and mentoring, he learned to be better in playing the drums. He was later discovered by St. Helena percussion instructor Brandon Dorsey who recognized his gift. According to Dorsey who also spoke to Today, the young boy “is the Energizer Bunny when it comes to drums. He keeps going.”

Nicole is likewise in awe at how skilled her son is and how much he just loves beating on things. "We’ve got drum sticks everywhere. My table gets beaten up. My pots and pans. The basketball. My car headrest. Even the church pew," she said.

ON SECURING A COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

Nicole is likewise relieved to learn that her son has a secure future in college.

“Now, to know that he is 5 and has a full scholarship made me feel so good,” she told the Mississippi Clarion Ledger. “I’m just amazed at his playing level with him being so young.”

Meanwhile, the assistant professor/band director of Alcorn State is hopeful that Jeremiah continues to stay interested in playing the drums.

“He’s got a rare talent for his age,” he said. “If he’s still interested when it’s time to attend college that’s great. We want to help him become the remarkable young man we think he can be.”

We have no doubt that Jeremiah will go on to be an even remarkable drum player in the future. What an inspiring story this is. We’re so happy for Jeremiah and his family.