Soulful Cadence

Prologue

The crowd of students stood congratulating the group of students standing in the center of rows of chairs and music stands. The cheers of others deafened the thoughts of the group.

Soon it quieted down as a middle-aged woman stepped out of the said office of the large square-like room. She ambled towards the group, her long brown braids swaying with the way of her hips.

Her usual clothes of a black dress, pants, and white shirt were replaced with a long corset waist fitting dress bedazzled in gems and crystals. The sight of her outfit carried other eyes until she made her way to the group.

She looked around, the sight of her gaze had everyone turning an eye away. She stood on the palladium whispering to the band in front of her.

"Congratulations you made it to the competition. Now enough of this emotional stuff, we have to practice one more time, then y'all can get on that stage and kill it. Because if I'm not coming home with 1st place then something is going to be wrong" a collective sound of groans bounced around the room.

"Did you think I wasn't gonna make sure y'all had the music down? Who do you think I am?" Ms. Johnson said with a smirk on her face. She began to usher the group from the center, all of them proudly sitting in the first chair of their group.

Flora sat in the first chair from the left, officially the first chair flutist. She swelled from appreciation from Mrs. Johnson's previous compliment. She grabbed her folder from under her chair and put it on her stand. She held her flute in her lap, clutching it with excitement. She sat and wondered what the honor band competition was gonna be like.

"Playing position everyone, we should know this by now, the competitions in thirty hurry up!" Ms. Johnson complained, swinging her baton and waiting for them to get into playing position. Flora swiftly pulled her flute into the playing position learned from distant incidents, which included a metal stick being thrown, she shuddered from the memory.

As Ms. Johnson lifted her baton and a hush fell over the room. With a swift motion, the music began a rehearsed composition that unfolded like a conversation among old friends. The flutters of Flora's flute danced with the triumphant calls of Tianna's trumpet, the melody creating a beautiful contrast, while Noah and the saxophones added the emotion to it a deep feeling of peace. 

Clarinets and French horns engaged in a melodic dialogue, their harmonies echoing through the room. The strings crossing over like a wave caressing everyone with a strong sense of balance. The mellophone, Griffin's glockenspiel, and the trombone interwoven with the mellow tones of the sousaphone and euphonium, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound.

The percussion section, led by Brandon's bass drum and Cameron's cymbals, kept the heartbeat steady, while Timothy's tenor drum added a pulsating rhythm. The tuba resonated with a deep, grounding presence, ensuring the ensemble moved in unison.

In the background, other talented musicians contributed to the melody and harmony, ensuring every instrument had its supporting voice. The band, now a family, reveled in the magic they created together, where every instrument told a story, and every note held a piece of their shared journey.

"Okay, we're done with rehearsals now, get on that stage and kill it! Move it, though keep it calm," Ms. Johnson said as she stood next to the door shooing them out. A jumbled sound of agreeing was heard afterwards as they carried the instrument they could and went out the door. Heading down the hallway and through a maze of corridors they made it to the back of the theater.

One by one they walked on stage sitting in their correct seats as the last 15 students stood where they were all collectively watching each other. They stood in silence the only thing heard was the bustling crowd outside.

"Okay, I know y'all want to be emotionally stunted right now but how about you just say good luck to your fellow first chair peers and get on the stage. Yes?" Ms Johnson said as she bore her eyes into them telling them to hurry.

A round of good luck went around before one by the climbed on the stage some holding their instruments, some assisting another with their instrument. As the last one climbed on stage Ms. Johnson smiled they may be emotionally stunted but they're her emotion stunted students that she oh so proud of. Soon she climbed on stage herself standing her back facing the closed curtain shielding them from the crowd outside.

The theater was crowded, and the red of the seats was no longer visible, due to the over-the-brim theater. Conversations flew throughout the theater, as they awaited the crimson curtains to open and began the next show. Soon they quieted down when the curtains opened revealing the next show had begun. Ms. Johnson shushed the members who were talking soon to turn around to talk to the audience of parents and judges.

"Thank you everyone for coming this lovely evening. This is the last show before the bus arrives so we'll try and make this performance quick and special." The announcer spoke into the microphone as she turned around and headed backstage. Her emerald green dress fleeing behind her.

Soon Ms. Johnson stood brushing off her elegant black corset dress. Gems and crystal lining the dress accentuating her curves and bust. She walked towards the front, her leg slipping through the slit as she stood in front of the orchestra. She held out her baton, her hands shaking, she was nervous, she was excited. 

She was honored as she looked over all the students she had taught since middle school and was proud she helped them make it so far into their lives. Seeing them happy and successful to their best ability brought tears to her eyes as she dabbed her damp eyes with her gloved hand.

She was happy for them she thought as she bring the first swing of the baton as the orchestra began playing.

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Thank for reading!! this was my first time writing something like that if you'd like more let me know and constructive critism is welcomed.

-cloudystars

-repulsivethoughts