Bang the Drum, Ashley
"Bang the Drum, Ashley" is the second episode of the first season of the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.[1] It was aired on 17 September 1990.[2] This episode introduced the recurring character Jazz (DJ Jazzy Jeff) who is a friend of Will. It also guest-starred Bette Ford as Ashley's music teacher Madame Chatchka.
"Bang the Drum, Ashley" | |
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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episode | |
Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 2 |
Directed by | Debbie Allen |
Written by |
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Produced by |
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Featured music | Quincy Jones III |
Editing by | Jim McQueen |
Production code |
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Original air date | September 17, 1990 |
Running time | 24 minutes |
Guest appearance(s) | |
Plot
Ashley doesn't have a driver to her violin lesson, so Philip orders Will to drive her, since he doesn't have any chores. What he doesn´t know is that the whole class is going in the same car. After driving for a while hearing all the violins, Will teaches them to sing "I Got the Power" by Snap. The music teacher, Madame Chatchka, is furious when she hears the singing class coming into the classroom. When the class is finished, Will tells Ashley he "only hears that kinda music when Freddy Krueger kills someone" and suggests she play drums instead.
Later, Will pawns Ashley's violin for a drum kit. When Philip hears the drums, he gets furious and goes upstairs where he discovers Ashley playing the drums. Vivian suggests that they should let Ashley try something new, but she also firmly tells Will not to visit any more pawn shops. The discussion is interrupted by Geoffrey who tells them that there is a man with a large radio at the door who claims his name is Jazz. When Jazz is introduced to Philip, he slaps his hand instead of shaking it. This makes Philip angry, thinking that Jazz is just like Will.
Ashley still practices on the drums when the rest of the Banks family are having tea. Philip wants to teach Ashley about classical music, so he brings them down in the living room. But when Philip asks if someone can turn up the volume, Will tells Jazz to do it. Instead of turning up the volume, Jazz starts to scratch the record. Philip is outraged and literally throws Jazz out of the house (which becomes a running gag in the show).[3]
Later, Philip speaks to Ashley and Will. He tells Will that he is Ashley's dad, not Will, and he tries to persuade Ashley into playing violin again. But Vivian tells Ashley she can play whatever she wants. Ashley admits she doesn't want to play either instrument, causing Philip and Will to complain about today's kids. Ashley also states she doesn't want to do ballet which causes Vivian to plead to change her mind.
Cast
- Will Smith as Will Smith
- James Avery as Philip Banks
- Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks
- Alfonso Ribeiro as Carlton Banks
- Karyn Parsons as Hilary Banks
- Tatyana M. Ali as Ashley Banks
- Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey Butler
- D.J. Jazzy Jeff as Jazz
- Bette Ford as Madame Chatchka
- Emma Nasedra as Dani
References
- Acuna, Kirsten (30 May 2012). "Check Out Will Smith's Freshest Looks From 'Bel-Air'". Business Insider. Insider Inc. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- Bradley, Bill (4 April 2015). "5 Myths About 'The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air' Debunked By DJ Jazzy Jeff". Huffington Post. Oath Inc. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- Hays, Julia (19 November 2015). "All the Times Jazz Was Literally Thrown Out of the Fresh Prince House". E! News. E! Online. Retrieved 15 December 2018.