Title: Vocal Rhapsodies
Summary: To the world, the Cullens may just be the usual rich, sophisticated family with a business empire. However, unknown to almost all – other than those who enjoy vocal music, they are a vocal ensemble. Yet, Bella only knows them as her favourite vocal ensemble. Until she gets a new job…
Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight series; Stephenie Meyer does. I do not own the music I'll be incorporating into the story as well (will give references when needed).
Author's note: This is my first fanfic. I just figured that I'll use a different perspective on music to write this. Considering that there have been too many fanfics that cover the Twilight crew in rock bands etc etc. I thought that it would be cool if there was something different. Do review, yeah? Appreciate it. This will just be a short introduction chapter.
Chapter 1: The Cullens? Who are they?
Bella's POV
It's just like any other night in Forks, Washington, I suppose. The dreary rain. The cold climate. I can't say that rain is my favourite weather. Not when I'm rushing out of Forks to Port Angeles, and traffic is being a bitch due to the heavy rain. I just hope that my monster of a truck – a cherry red 1953 Chevrolet Pick Up, doesn't break down on me. Not when I'm rushing to watch The Cullens.
Thankfully, traffic was being stalled and not that I was speeding on the road. As much as I could get away with it, being the daughter of Charlie Swan, Chief of Police of Forks, I don't think it would sit with my dad. I don't think he would ever understand my fascination and love for the choral art. Then again, neither did Renee. Honestly, if it were genetics that caused me to gravitate towards vocal music, I have no idea where the genes came from, since none of my family members were into it.
On the dashboard of my truck lies the ticket that Angela Webber had pulled strings to get for me. A ticket for the box seat at Port Angeles Concert Hall: The Cullens' Concert. Tonight. I don't know how that woman managed to pull strings to get me that as my 22nd birthday's gift, inclusive of a backstage pass too! On top of that, it is amazing that she actually knew what I wanted. Ok. Fine. Granted that I had been raving about Britain's famous vocal ensemble (End note: i) (or at least within the vocal ensemble circle) finally coming to United States. My luck couldn't get any better, until I found out that it was at Port Angeles, Washington. Even the most humongous plush toy on earth couldn't smother the squeals that I emitted when the realization dawned upon me. I just simply adore and love her.
Thankfully, I had gotten out of the house hours before to drive down to Port Angeles. I doubt that I would be late, but heck, I didn't want to risk it. The choir girl in me will throw a huge fuss and I will never forgive myself if I were to be late for The Cullens. Moreover, it didn't help that the stereo was playing one of their latest albums which I bought and shipped over from Amazon's UK site. I drummed my fingers along with the harmonies as I waited for the traffic to move, albeit, impatiently.
The Cullens comprise of Alice Cullen – the pixie-like Soprano with short spiky hair; Rosalie Hale-Cullen – the gorgeous Mezzo-Soprano who look like she stepped off a catwalk for a fashion show; Tanya Denali – a strawberry blonde Alto (of which I totally do not like. Honestly, they need a better alto. I think even I'm a better Alto than her and I probably would kick her ass while at it); Esme Cullen – the motherly Contra-Alto whose low notes are… simply… insane; Jasper Whitlock – the cute husband of Alice Cullen who serves as a Tenor and vocal percussionist of the group; Carlisle Cullen – the Baritone father of the whole family as well as Emmett Cullen – the big brother figure of family and the root of the chord, i.e. the Bass. Oh. Emmett does secondary vocal percussions too. (End note: ii)
But, the one voice that keeps me looping their CDs or their tracks on my iPod belonged to the elusive Edward Cullen who sings Tenor and a good portion of the lead lines. It's too bad that vocal ensembles aren't as popular as mainstream radio groups – if not I would have a poster of that Greek God plastered on my ceiling so I could stare up into his eyes just before I fall asleep. Vocal ensemble hotties will never get posters unlike mainstream hotties. It just doesn't work that way. And people would probably think they are gay just because they sing in vocal ensembles or choirs. Then again, Angela said that with my active imagination, I would probably keep myself awake fantasizing over him as opposed to falling asleep due to his 'hypnotism'.
Especially with him smiling that crooked grin of his that seem to be donned on the cover of every album The Cullens released.
The Cullens have been singing together officially as an octet for the past 5 years ever since the induction of Rosalie (after her wedding to Emmett), Jasper (who started dating Alice) and long time family friend Tanya (who had been dating Edward until their recent break-up). As a vocal ensemble, they cover different genres such as sacreds, folk, jazz, classical, mainstream pop and rock. Hell, they were talented. They could almost do every song out there in every genre. They were almost comparable to The Swingle Singers, from UK or even The Real Group, from Sweden. Though in all biasness, I think The Cullens triumph over them. (End note: iii)
Although some of their arrangements aren't as good – perhaps, due to the fault of the arranger's lack of inspiration, their vocal tenacity and the rich quality of their voices and harmony draws me in more and more. Even when I was in my collegiate a cappella group (End note: iv), we couldn't achieve such blending. Honestly, it's so perfect, it's almost surreal. I found it amazing that a family could achieve so much together, it makes me wish I could have a family like that to sing with. What wishful thoughts I have.
As it almost came to the end of the CD, I realized that I've reached Port Angeles and was just a little away from the Concert Hall, when I saw La Bella Italia. Funny, how an Italian restaurant has my name in it.
"Oh, knock it off Swan. Enough daydreaming for the evening and grab some food quick before the concert, in case you faint just from looking at Edward." I quietly mused as I pulled up into the parking lot at La Bella Italia.
I was so engrossed with my own thoughts and rushing through the rain in hopes of getting into the restaurant while being soaked as little as possible, that I bumped into someone. Thankfully, I didn't fall and drench myself. Damn, that would have sucked.
"I'm so terribly sorry. I hope that you aren't hurt or anything!" spluttered the most musical voice I heard.
Before I could raise my head and take a look at who it was, the same voice cursed, "Bloody hell. I'm fucking late. I'm real sorry for knocking you down!" When I finally pulled myself together, all I caught a glimpse of was bronze unruly hair, which somewhat reminded me of Edward's, on a figure running away from where I was still rooted to.
Sighing heavily as I entered the restaurant to grab some pasta, I could only blame myself for my clumsiness. Who else but clumsy Bella – to knock into someone, not apologize to whoever it was, and get more soaked than needed, just before The Cullens' concert? I just hoped that my soggy clothes from the rainwater wouldn't stink by the end of the night, especially when I have to go backstage to… meet the Cullens.
I groaned internally. I didn't exactly have the time to shop and change clothes either. Just my luck, to be highly disheveled attire wise, and with my curly mop of brown hair plastered to my face.
To think, the night couldn't get worst.
A/N: Below are a couple of end notes for your reference or education purpose, since this isn't a genre that's usually covered. Do review! Greatly appreciate it.
i) Vocal ensemble:
A small group, which sings together. Somewhat like a choir, but not that huge. May be backed by instruments.
ii) Vocal parts:
Soprano – Female voicing, high range
Mezzo-Soprano – Female voicing, middle range
Alto – Female voicing, lower range
Contra-alto – Female voicing, lowest range
Tenor – Male voicing, high range
Baritone – Male voicing, middle range
Bass – Male voicing, lowest range
Vocal percussions – Percussions through the usage of vocals (aka beat-boxing)
iii) Vocal groups:
The Swingle Singers:
An a cappella octet formed by Ward Swingle, in France, 1962. Was disbanded and reformed in London by Swingle. Covers repertoire from modern works like Annie Lennox and The Beatles to classics like Bach's 'Air on the G String'. Recently featured on Glee's pilot episode's background music.
The Real Group:
A professional quintet from Sweden that composes or arranges most of the songs they perform. They also have several recording awards and albums to their name.
iv) Collegiate A Cappella groups:
A Cappella is defined as the art of making music without the use of any physical instruments, for example, through pure vocals. Collegiate groups are groups from Universities or schools, such as Tufts' Beelzebubs, Clemson's Tigeroar and Takenote and UCLA's Scattertones.