Once upon a time, there lived a small group of gnomes in the land next to Mr. Maelzel's home. When a tiny golden trumpet sounds the arrival of a new baby, the gnomes all gather to celebrate and see their newest member. But the new parents are worried about their son, Metra. He's a little different and may not be able to work in the gardens like all the other gnomes. But when Metra starts showing an almost magical ability of keeping rhythm, Mr. Maelzel overhears, and Metra may have just found his true calling.