Chapter 1: Autism and Music
The next day, I met Sarah, James, and Henri, as well as more of my best friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, and Max Greenwald at the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill to discuss autism and music. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. I also offered a snack of banana bread for everybody to eat during the meeting. "Today, we are going to discuss autism and music," Alex told us. "Speaking of which, after Thanksgiving, it starts to get annoying when they play Christmas songs all the time on certain radio stations, like 3WS." "I have always loved playing Christmas music at our concerts," Justin added. "I played in the concert band at MSG Academy and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at Indiana University of Pennsylvania," Max chimed in. "I played the flute, Justin played the trumpet, and Max played the French horn," Alex added. "You know, classical music like you guys played, as well as Latin jazz music, easily puts me to sleep," I informed my friends. "It's funny how when I reunited with Benedict again after he got suspended from school, we reunited over a Latin jazz song," Sarah informed us. "What song was that, Sarah?" Alex asked. "It was the Cuban Overture by George Gershwin," Sarah told us. "It is a classic song," James reminded everyone. "If I performed in a marching, concert, or jazz band, I sure would know what good music is," Henri pointed out. "I also think that music can be classified by major and minor chords," I told my friends. "Right, Angel," Sarah agreed. "Do you know what the Cuban Overture's chord is like, Sarah?" Alex asked. "It is a major chord, Alex," Sarah replied. "Justin, I believe we played that song for one of our high school jazz festivals," Max remarked. "It was our senior year," Justin remembered. "What other kinds of music influences you guys?" I asked. "I always listen to Maroon 5 songs on Spotify on my phone," James told me. "I love all of their songs," Henri agreed. "The lead singer, Adam Levine has a good voice," Sarah pointed out, "if you guys have heard their latest single." "Sarah, Justin, Max, and I like listening to '80s pop music in my car," Alex informed us. "Some pop artists I especially admire include Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Paula Abdul, and this band called Expose." "Those are all great artists," Justin agreed. "Good music to pump and fire people up on a cheery day," Max pointed out. Alex also explained to us some of the songs and their meanings, such as Come Go With Me, Point of No Return, Tell Me Why, and Seasons Change. I also explained to Alex that my older sister introduced me to that band the last time that she was home visiting Pittsburgh. After our discussion, we went to Sesame Inn in the North Hills for dinner. "I picked this place to eat at because we ate a different type of Chinese food after our summer concert," Alex told us. "I would like to see what their Chinese food tastes like." We ordered some appetizers before our main meal. I ordered chicken teriyaki, Sarah ordered a salad, James ordered hot and sour soup, Henri ordered an egg roll, Alex ordered chicken wrapped in lettuce, Justin ordered shrimp wrapped in lettuce, and Max ordered spareribs. For our main courses, I ordered beef lo mein, Sarah ordered chicken with broccoli, James ordered sweet and sour chicken with white rice, Henri ordered pork fried rice, Alex ordered mixed vegetables and steamed chicken, Justin ordered General Tso's chicken with white rice, and Max ordered Singaporean-style rice-like noodles. Alex was nice enough to share some of her steamed green beans. Fortune cookies were also given to us after our meal. "We also have Justice League next weekend, followed by brunch at the Grand Concourse the following weekend," Alex reminded us. "Emily and Erin are able to come, too," I told everyone. "I was thinking that since Emily and I have a snack for brunch, why don't you guys pair up and bring a healthy snack from a food group for us all to share at brunch?" "Sure," Sarah agreed. "Alex and I can bring different fruits and vegetables." "Justin and I can bring different cheeses," James added. "And, Max and I can bring different kinds of pasta," Henri chimed in. Pretty soon, it was time for Sarah, James, and Henri to drive me back to Mom's apartment in Highland Park. "Thanks for a great dinner and evening, guys!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Alex replied. "Bye, guys!" "Bye!"
