Tuesday, December 5, 2006

A One


It's there on his nightstand -- a simple medal, with a design that probably hasn't changed in 60 years. It's Robert's Division One medal from last weekend's Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Junior High District Solo & Ensemble Festival at Perry.
Students are judged on their playing ability on a scale from 5 to 1. I've never heard of anyone getting a 5; a 1 is the best.
"I got a One."
For band students, that just says it all.
He's been working on his solo for weeks. The bus would be leaving at 6 a.m., so he gradually set his alarm back so he would be used to getting up excruciatingly
early. That morning, he got up, put on his Blue Lake sweatshirt, and just played.
He says it was a great solo.
Robert got a One. Nothing more needs to be said.

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