This is Part Seven of a Continuing Story!
CLICK HERE to read Part One
CLICK HERE to read Part Two
CLICK HERE to read Part Three
CLICK HERE to read Part Four
CLICK HERE to read Part Five
CLICK HERE to read Part Six
CLICK HERE to read Part One
CLICK HERE to read Part Two
CLICK HERE to read Part Three
CLICK HERE to read Part Four
CLICK HERE to read Part Five
CLICK HERE to read Part Six
The Spring Concert arrived all too quickly, considering the complexity of the Big-Picture performance I had masterminded. We all showed up at the high school auditorium early that Saturday morning to allow ourselves enough time to set up the stage and to run through a few rough spots in the music. By noon, we were ready to proceed with our 8 o’clock concert, so I let everyone go home and take a nap, if they so desired, sternly warning all not to partake of anything that might negatively affect their performance that evening. And, I made sure to tell them all to be on stage by 7:00 PM, ready to bring the house down! Looking around the stage, though, I was dismayed that Lenny hadn’t showed up. Indeed, he was destined to play an important role in the musical interplay I had envisioned between my Recorder and his synthesizer during the opening section of the concert. I stood there, wondering if I would need to eliminate this important experiment in combining Modern Electronic with Traditional Acoustic musical textures. ‘No sense worrying about that now,’ I convinced myself. Taking my own advice, I went home and enjoyed some quiet time Cass and the kids.
At 7:00 PM, as ordered, the ensemble members showed up for their final pre-concert warm-up. Everyone except Lenny, that is! By 7:20, Lenny still hadn’t arrived. I realized that I’d really have to scramble to figure out how to modify the performance at the very last moment. No sooner did I come to my decision than all the kids started laughing, hooting and whistling. Turning from the podium to look out into the auditorium, in strolls Lenny, Mr. Cool, dressed in black leather jacket, purple shirt, flowery red bow tie, and white pants! Even worse, his straggly hair was combed and oiled in place. I stifled a much-needed laugh and tore into Lenny as he hoisted his synthesizer onto the stage to prepare for his concert debut.
“Lenny! Where the hell have you been? How could you just not show up for this morning’s rehearsal, not to mention strolling in just minutes before the doors open to our audience?” I admonished.
“Aww, geeze, Professor R. I spent the whole day practicing my part at home. I din’t wanna disrupt da creative flow, you know what I mean?” he objected mightily.
‘Disrupt the creative flow?’ With no idea how to respond to that, I shook my head in mock disbelief while Lenny plugged his black monstrosity, I mean, synthesizer, into the PA system. All in all, this little scene provided an instant tension relief for everyone, including me.
“Lenny,” I smiled, “are you sure you’re gonna make it through the show?”
“Hey, don’ you worry ‘bout me, Professor R,” he snarled. “I’ve got some surprises up my sleeve!”
‘Oh, no . . .’
© Jeff Resnick 2018
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