Lost in the Rhythm

A Ceremony of Major Importance

Pure excitement made each and every one of Luz's nerves tingle, and she was finding it hard to sit still. The Banshee Orchestra had just finished playing its final piece of the spring awards concert, and now Bump had stepped to the front of the stage, getting ready to address the audience and carry out the most important part of the whole evening.

"Hexside parents, friends, and family," he began. "I'm sure you'll all agree that the Banshee Orchestra is a phenomenal group of young musicians. Each and every one of them contributes something special and wonderful to the band. I am so proud of every one of them."

As he spoke, Luz strained her head to see Amity. Amity wasn't looking at her, of course- she was seated with the flutes in her own section, a row ahead, looking beyond stunning in her suit. Luz wished she could tell Amity how proud she was of her, too. She couldn't help but remember the last time she'd been on this stage- the night Amity had kissed her. Nothing had been the same since, she was happier now. Much happier.

"I have the privilege of bestowing a few awards onto some of the band's most standout students," Bump was saying. "I'll begin with awards for those in the Banshee Big Band, our invitation-only jazz band. The Banshee Big Band is a very skilled group-there are only fifteen spots in it, so being a part of it is a huge honor." He cleared his throat. "The first award will be the Best Upperclassman award. This senior has shown spectacular leadership and talent over the years, and I can always count on receiving her help when I need it. She's a spectacular trombonist, and the band will miss her when she graduates. The Best Upperclassman award is awarded to Viney Griffon."

Luz clapped obediently as Viney stepped up from the trombone section to receive her trophy. The two had never spoken, but Viney seemed nice enough, and she was a good musician. Luz was satisfied with the choice Bump had made. She glanced back at Amity, who looked rather amused. Did Amity know something about Viney that Luz didn't?

"The next award will be the Best Underclassman award." Luz found herself zoning out as Bump droned on about a talented sophomore who had easily found his footing within the ranks of older musicians. Her thoughts drifted until she heard him call out Gus Porter's name. She clapped and cheered as loudly as she could for her friend. She'd give him the biggest hug in the world once the ceremony was over.

After a moment, the cheering died down. "The final jazz award I will present tonight..." Bump paused. Excitement crackled in the air. All the other jazz students seemed about ready to burst with anticipation, Luz included. Will it be me? She spotted Amity in the front, straightening her posture. Or Amity? Oh, if it's not me, please let it be her!

"...will be to a  student who came to us unexpectedly this year, and she did have a little bit of trouble adjusting at first. However, she possesses a talent I've very rarely seen, and am very grateful to have in the band. Sure, she had a few trips on the way..."

Amity stiffened.

"...but she has more than proven herself as a skilled saxophone soloist. I am pleased to present the Best Improvosationalist award to Luz Noceda."

It took a moment for the words to register. Once she nudged herself to her feet, Luz felt like she was floating as she went to accept the award. The bright lights blinded her as she shook Bump's hand and took the trophy, and her ears rang strangely pleasantly at the noise. Amity met her eyes and blew her a kiss as she returned to her seat.

She even noticed Boscha leaning over to the first-chair trumpet and hissing in his ear, "She's only been here for a semester! She's not eligible for that!" She couldn't help but feel a flash of pride. Only one semester, maybe, but if that was all the time it took to out-solo Boscha, Boscha must not have been a very good musician.