I've been meaning to post this for a while, I like Olivia she's different...
so enjoy!
Playing my instrument gave me pride in who I am and my uniqueness. Every girl chooses to play the dainty flute like my sister, Taylor, so I was expected to play flute or clarinet. I choose oboe. After a year in 5th grade beginner band, I got annoyed by that duck-like sound. I had to switch to something else, something that was more unusual than basic oboe. I switched to bassoon. Middle school life was awesome. I quickly went to the best band in school and went to honor band all three years. Even colleges came to recruit me. But then came a choice. High school band. Specifically, marching band.
"Olivia, you have to do marching band! Even some of the orchestra dorks double instruments or do color guard. If you opt. out, you will be one of the freaks. Then again, you are enough of a freak to qualify. You choose." Loving words of my senior sister.
"Well of course I want to be in marching band but I can't march bassoon. Mom and dad would kill me."
"Then learn how to play clarinet or trumpet. Wait, I know, contra. Learn how to play contra. We always need more basses! If it doesn't swallow you first." My sister walked away laughing. But, that would be fun, tuba was my second choice to play.
Freshman Band Orientation
A month after my sister and I talked, was the day when everyone declared if they were going to play in marching band or opt. out for sports or because they play a double reed. Through out that entire month, I went back and forth about marching band. Nevertheless, determined to prove that I wasn't a freak and belonged in band, I walked straight up to the low brass table.
"Olivia Bennet, freshman. I'm here to learn how to play contra."
I immediately regretted what I said. Sitting behind the table were two of the tannest guys I've ever seen. And two incredibly ripped high school guys, too.
"Oh yeah? What makes you think that contra wants you to play him? Being a contra means you must respect your instrument before you can play. So are you sure you want to play contra?"
Now, I am really second guessing myself. I was planning on playing contra but how am I going to if contra is just my easy way out?
"I am willing to try and contribute to the band. As I learn how to march, I will learn contra." I said strongly.
The guy who spoke gave me a long hard stare. I'm afraid that I might have said the wrong thing but then he expression relaxed.
"Great, we meet every Wednesday on the stage during school. As for summer, nobody knows yet."
"Darren, you've scared the girl enough. I'm Travis, junior co-captain of the low brass. Darren, who enjoys seeing underclassmen in fear, is the head of the low brass."
I let out a huge breath that I was keeping in while they were talking.
"Our first meeting is tomorrow. I can safely assume you don't have a contra?" Darren asked
"Nope, I play bassoon."
"Wait, what?"
"I second that. You're a woodwind? Specifically a double reed? Go talk to Ms. Phillips." Travis said ending all discussion.
Ok, I thought, hopefully I'll survive this chat. Talking with the low brass leaders put me in my own world. Not that I need any help. My teachers always yell at me for daydreaming, or getting distracted and going off on a tangent, such as now. But it's so entertaining like I know that the sky is blue and my hair happens to be blonde. Which also explains the tangents, I swear I must have some sort of Attention Disorder, but being in band doesn't help much.
Looking behind me, the gym got extremely crowded. How long was I at that table? When I walked in the gym was a barren ghost land. You could see the dust bunnies forming tumble weeds. Trying to push through a group of soccer guys playing hacky sac, my glasses went askew and a piece of proceed meat landed on my bare shoulder. Ew! Flinging it onto some random person near by I really hoped it wouldn't ruin my out fit. What? I'm a girl I am that vain. I had my very cute black Hollister tank top and favorite pair of short shorts. Hey, it's summer I'm enjoying this weather and having no dress code.
Looking up at the director table, a sense of fear shot through my entire body. Even just sitting there at a bland table with a poster in bubble letter saying Join Band! the directors looked intimating. Sitting next to Ms. Phillips are Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones, concert band and wind ensemble directors respectively. Mr. Smith is in a deep conversation with Mr. Jones currently whereas Ms. Phillips watched me walk up to the table.
"Hi, um, you're Ms. Phillips correct?" I asked timidly.
"Hello Olivia. I was wondering when you would come talk to me."
"Yeah about that. I want to be in marching band."
"Uh huh. Go on."
"Well, normally I play bassoon but they aren't allowed on the field."
"Yes, for double reeds, they have a couple of choices. Most opt. out for the season and have a study hall. Some join pit or drum line. But a few learn saxophone to get the "band" experience."
"Yeah, my sister, Taylor, told me about those options. But what really interests me is contra..."
"Oh, are you sure? Have you felt how heavy that is? Most of the tubas can't handle it. What makes you think you can?"
"My uniqueness, I guess. I really want to be a part of the band and I think this would be the most interesting section to be in."
"I see your logic. Do you honestly want to play contra? I know it swallowed me."
"Positive."
"Ok that's your choice. See you at band camp."
(By the way, I didn't die, just disappeared)
