I got to drive B to his audition today. I say got, because it was just me and B, and his Percy Jackson cd from the library. We haven’t been playing it out loud since we realised that the monsters were too much for K – and probably M though he enjoyed the comic narrator.
Beautiful day to drive in, my cold incredibly better (still coughing, still congested, but none of that kept me from sleeping last night). The sun on the marshes was pretty, B was in a good mood too.
There were so many flutes that it took an hour longer than last year. B had two library books, I had my knitting bag, but I’d left the instructions at home. Since I’d written them, you’d think I could do without them, right? Nope, I couldn’t remember/ read the piece enough to duplicate it. I hadn’t packed myself a library book either. But the hour people watching was interesting. A voice teacher had a yarn shop bag, so I introduced myself.
What is the fun of being a grown up if you don’t start conversations with interesting people? At least I told myself that as I walked over to meet her. She was reverse engineering a braided scarf her daughter saw in college. I’m glad I got up the nerve.
The kids were dressed so funny. The boys wore dress shirts, but had not ironed the band box wrinkles out. I only saw two skirts that hit the knee. Most were mid thigh. The immodesty didn’t bother me so much as the fact that it’s just not a flattering length. I surprised myself by calling to one of the appropriate girls, “Miss?”
She blinked at me, “Yes?”
“Your dress is pretty, it flatters you, and it’s modest, well done.”
She shook her head like she was having a very weird day, “Thank you.” her face looked like she’d have liked to say, “Thank you frumpy middle aged stranger.” but she didn’t. Good for her.
B was cheerful and confident after his audition – he thinks his chromatic scale was off, but the sight reading went well. I don’t care if he makes it this year, the experience of auditioning is good for him.
We stopped at Starbucks afterwards. He had a croissant the size of K’s head, and a caramel frappichino. I had latte and a cranberry delight bar. It was lovely, more rich than sweet. I was choosing some beans to take home, as we are out of coffee when B said I should pick the Yukon blend.
“why?”
“It has a bear on it.”
I bought the Yukon blend.
Next time he has an audition, have him eat a banana for breakfast. Weird, I know, but Ruth’s flute instrutor had her do it every time because it calms nerves in some way during the audition. We did it every time and were mostly successful at auditioning. Every time B auditions, his confidence will grow and he will get that coveted first chair, in God’s timing.