Red in the face from embarrassment, I nodded as he talked about those instruments for a good 5 minutes. But all I could think about was how I didn’t even get to start the second movement of my piece. I had improved since the prior year. he dismissed me, looking back down at his phone, and I shakily bowed my way out. On the long car ride home from center Philadelphia, my brain was overrun with thoughts; why did he stop me so soon? Does he really want me to play another instrument?
*One week later*
It was a typical Friday July day; I was coming home on the bus with my face pressed against the glass, thinking about everything, ranging from schoolwork to the audition, to the Williamsburg trip I missed so that I could practice for the audition. I walked up the stone path in my front yard. My hand had barely touched the doorbell, when the door sprang open, revealing my dad. (Now, this was weird considering he usually only comes home at 6 or 7, but that’s irrelevant.) He grabbed me and spun me around in the air screaming that I got in.
At first I was confused, until it dawned on me as to what he was talking about. A jubilant smile exploded as tears of joy ran rivers down my face.
Soon after, I found out my brother had made the higher group, filling my family’s hearts with pride, as these are both very prestigious groups.
Maestro, you are a worthy conductor; that brilliance shines through.
43