Episode 1
_Rich's Point Of View_
On a bright, sunny Monday morning, I grabbed two cups of coffee and headed to the principal's office.
"Mr. Gregory, I want to talk to you about the school glee club," I said, handing one cup of coffee to the man I was speaking to.
"Richard, why do you want to take care of that club? That club hasn't won a championship in 10 years, and we're about to cut the club in favor of another cheerleading club. The Barkley Cheerleaders have won Nationals every year, since 1990. That's 20 years Richard! 20 years of winning trophies, generous money donations from the state of Indiana, and most of all, new students, which pay tuition every year and help sign your paycheck!" the principal, Mr. Gregory said to me.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about Mr. Gregory. I think all the club needs is a new roster of fresh, young talent, a new repertoire of more current songs, and a new coach, and I think that coach is me. I'm young, and I majored in music in college. I've taught music and different schools and summer camps since I was sixteen. I really think that I might have what it takes to make Barkley High School's Glee Club win Nationals again," I said.
Mr. Gregory looked at me for a long moment, then began punching numbers into his computer. "According to my computer's calculator," he began, "it would take roughly $300 a month to run the glee club."
Astounded, I said, "I don't have that kind of money!"
"I understand that Richard. So I'll make you a deal. In Indianapolis, they're having a local contest. The best glee club wins 6,000 dollars. That'll cover your dues for the rest of the year, and your transportation to any events. You need a minimum of 12 members to compete in Sectionals, and the other competition. But if you don't win Sectionals, then your club is over Richard. That's the deal," Mr. Gregory said.
"I accept," I said, "And trust me. I'll find 12 members, and we'll rule that competition, get our money, and win Sectionals," shaking Gregory's hand.
GLEE CLUB SIGN UP SHEET
Enter Now For the Chance to Become Part of a Winning Team
Tryouts at 3:00 on Friday in the Auditorium
On Friday, Richard walked to the club sign up board where he posted the glee sign up list, and saw 8 signatures. 8 kids that could, if they were talented and committed, could win Nationals every year. The names on the list were;
Tess Brooks
Brandon Mitchel
Bryan James
Michael Martinez
Enola Christopher
Natalia Smith
Mike Bush
Lucy Jones
Richard felt good about this. These 8 people, if they were willing, could win many trophies. He then checked his watch, and saw that it was already 2:50. He had to head down the auditorium for the tryouts.
He ran down to the auditorium with a doughnut and his notebook and pen. He sat down just as the first person walked on stage.
"Hi, Mr. Richard, I'm Tess Brooks, and I'm going to be singing Skyscraper by Demi Lovato for my audition song," a peppy brunette girl said as she ran up onto the stage.
"Excellent," Richard said, "Well let's hear it. Do you want the band or to go acapella?"
"Acapella, please," Tess said.
As she began to sing the opening lyrics to the song, everyone into the room fell into a spell by her beautiful voice.
Skies are crying
I am watching
Catching teardrops in my hands
Only silence as it's ending, like we never had a chance
Do you have to, make me feel like there is nothing left of me?
As Tess sang, she started off rather shyly, but gained confidence as she hit the next verse.
You can take everything I have As the smoke clears You can take everything I have I will be rising from the ground Go run, run, run You can take everything I have Like a skyscraper! Like a skyscraper!
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper!
Like a skyscraper!
I awaken, and untangle you from me
would it make you, feel better to watch me while I bleed?
All my windows, still are broken
But I'm standing on my feet
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
Like a skyscraper!
Like a skyscraper!
I'm gonna stay right here
Watch you disappear, yeah
Go run, run, run
Yeah it's a long way down
But I am closer to the clouds up here
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper, Ohhh woaah
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper!
Like a skyscraper!
Tess's voice went from nearly bellowing to a ghostlike whisper as she finished the song. The room exploded with applause, from the other auditioners, the band, and Richard.
Richard began to scribble into his notebook.
Name: Tess Brooks
Age: 14
Class: Freshman
Note: Tess has an amazing voice. She absolutely nailed the song. But from the way she sang, I noticed two things. One, she is mainly a balladeer, which we can accept or try to change. Two, she slightly doubts her ability to sing, which is a pity, because if she just had full confidence, she would go from being amazing, to being mind-blowing.
"Congratulations Tess, you are definitely in the glee club. Stay in here and watch the rest of the performances, because we will be having our first meeting once everyone is done," Richard said, as Tess squealed with excitement.
Next up was Brandon, a jock, who looked to be only near 5 feet tall, but was extremely muscular.
"Hi, I'm Brandon Mitchel, and I'm going to sing the song What Did I Do to Your Heart by the Jonas Brothers," Brandon said. "I'll sing with the band please."
"All right Brandon, good choice. Boys in the band hit it!" Richard exclaimed.
Baby Girl I'm just a bit confused All I do is treat you with respect What did I do to your heart What did I do to your heart All I ever get is attitude All I need is just an answer please What did I do to your heart What did I do to your heart Wooo! What did I do to your What did I do to your heart What did I do to your heart
You've been acting like you've been abused
By me lately, What's going on
All the best and never nothing less
You continue to cry
And I just don't know why
What did I do to your heart
Did I break it, apart
Did I break it, your heart
What did I do to your heart
Did I break it, apart
Did I break it, your heart
Constant never-ending bad mood
From you baby, what's going on
So I can show you what you mean to me
But you continue to cry,
And I just don't know why
What did I do to your heart
Did I break it, apart
Did I break it, your heart
What did I do to your heart
Did I break it, apart
Did I break it, your heart
What did I do to your
Ooh!
What did I do to your heart
Did I break it, apart
Did I break it, your heart
Tell me, What did I do to your heart
Did I break it, apart
Did I break it, your heart
As he finished, the band slowed down to an eerie silence. Then once again, applause filled the room.
Richard began to write in his notebook.
Name: Brandon Mitchel
Age: 16
Class: Junior
Note: Excellent voice as well. Sounds really mature for his age, which I like. Picked a good song for his vocal range, so he's not trying to be an over- achiever.
"Good job Brandon! I'll see you later in practice," Richard said. "NEXT!" He yelled.
A nerdy looking kid with a ponytail wearing overalls and wearing square glasses walked up onto stage.
"Salutations, my name is Bryan Alexander James. I will be singing Burning Up by Madonna for this audition," the nerd said.
"Um, okay? Will you like to sing with the band or acapella?" Richard said, slightly confused.
"Just a warning, I had a few of my friends from the AV club and tech club do some special effects for my performance," the kid said, before launching into his performance.
Don't put me off 'cause I'm on fire
And I can't quench my desire.
Don't you know that I'm burning up for your love
You're not convinced that that is enough?
I put myself in this position
And I deserve the imposition
But you don't even know I'm alive
And this pounding in my heart just won't die
And at the start of the next verse, Bryan ripped of his glasses and let his hair down. fire came up from under the stage, flaring up like an angry bee towards the sun, then flying down to the floor again, to the amazement of everyone besides Bryan, who moved flawlessly throughout the performance.
I'm burning up I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
For your love
You're always closing your door
Well that only makes me want you more
And day and night I cry for your love
You're not convinced that that is enough
To justify my wanting you
Now tell me what you want me to do
I'm not blind and I know
That you want to want me but you can't let go
Come on, let go
Fire came from the ground again, this time touching the ceiling before fading back down again
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
For your love
Do you wanna see me down on my knees?
Or bending over backwards now would you be pleased?
Unlike the others I'd do anything
I'm not the same, I have no shame
I'm on fire!
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
For your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
You know you got me burning up, baby
You know you got me burning up, baby
Burning up for your love
Burning up for your love
As the performance ended, the room was absolutely silent as everyone was in absolute shock.
"So," Bryan said, "what did you guys think? I'm kinda nervous about it."
"Nervous?" Richard said, amazed. "Why the hell are you nervous? That and I think I speak for everyone when I say this, was absolutely the most freaking amazing think I've ever seen. Your voice is amazing, so you're in the club! Congratulations!"
He scribbled in his notebook.
Name: Bryan James
Age: 14
Class: Freshman
Note: Fantastic voice, fantastic dancing, and extremely good dramatic. I mean fire from the stage! How did he do that?
Next up on stage where Michael Martinez and Enola Christopher. They decided to sing Baby, It's Cold Outside from the musical Neptune's Daughter.
Enola: I really can't stay.
Michael: But baby, it's cold outside.
Enola: I've got to go away.
Michael: But baby, it's cold outside.
Enola: This evening has been...
Michael: Been hoping that you'd drop in.
Enola: ...so very nice.
Michael: I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice.
Enola: My mother will start to worry.
Michael: Beautiful, what's your hurry?
Enola: My father will be pacing the floor.
Michael: Listen to the fireplace roar.
Enola: So really, I'd better scurry.
Michael: Beautiful, please don't hurry.
Enola: But maybe just a half a drink more.
Michael: Put some records on while I pour.
Enola: The neighbors might think.
Michael: Baby, it's bad out there.
Enola: Say, what's in this drink?
Michael: No cabs to be had out there.
Enola: I wish I knew how...
Michael: Your eyes are like starlight now.
Enola: ...to break the spell.
Michael: I'll take your hat; your hair looks well.
Enola: I ought to say no, no, no, Sir.
Michael: Mind if I move in closer?
Enola: At least I'm gonna say that I tried.
Michael: What's the sense in hurting my pride?
Enola: I really can't stay.
Michael: Baby, don't hold out.
Both: Ah/Oh, but/Baby it's cold outside.
Enola: I simply must go
Michael: But, baby, it's cold outside
Enola: The answer is no
Michael: But, baby, it's cold outside
Enola: This welcome has been...
Michael: How lucky that you'd drop in
Enola: ...so nice and warm.
Michael: Look out the window at that storm.
Enola: My sister will be suspicious
Michael: Gosh, your lips look delicious
Enolat: My brother will be there at the door.
Michael: Waves upon a tropical shore.
Enola: My maiden aunt's mind is vicious
Michael: Ooh, your lips are delicious
Enola: But maybe just a cigarette more
Michael: Never such a blizzard before
Enola: I've gotta get home.
Michael: But baby, you'll freeze out there.
Enola: Say, lend me your coat.
Michael: It's up to your knees out there.
Enola: You've really been grand.
Michael: I thrill when you touch my hand.
Enola: But don't you see.
Michael: How can you do this thing to me?
Enola: There's bound to be talk tomorrow.
Michael: Think about a life long sorrow.
Enola: At least there will be plenty implied.
Michael: If you got pneumonia and died.
Enola: I really can't stay.
Michael: Get over that hold out.
Both: Ahh/Oh, but/Baby it's cold outside.
When the duet ended, the two lovebirds were staring into each other's eyes.
"Very excellent duet you two. Nice job with the duet," Rich said. He began to write into his notebook again.
Name: Michael Martinez
Age: 14
Class: Freshman
Note: Has a deep and smoky voice, very suited to R&B music. Of course, his voice seemed to be hidden under the star quality of Enola's voice. Only time will tell how good he really is.
Name: Enola Christopher
Age: 14
Class: Sophmore
Note: Beautiful voice, and a flair for the dramatics of certain songs. She was good in the school musicals last year, and her voice seems to have matured over time. Her voice is more suited towards Broadway. We need to work on how to let other's shine. But I know she is a very, very good performer.
"Okay, everybody let's take five. We all need a break. Meet me back here to finish up the auditions and then we can have the first glee club session of the year," Rich called out. As he and the kids filed out of the room, he said to himself, "This glee club is gonna rule this school!"