Polished flutes came out of cases and the trumpets blared their audition pieces. I hugged my saxophone, with the mouthpiece over my shoulder it formed a brass shield from the talent of the other children. Do, Re, Screech, Fa, Screech, Screech, Ti, Screech, they played

How can these private school kids expect to audition with their... I hesitated to use the word "talent" because frankly, they had none.

I hugged my instrument fondly. I could actually stand a chance, I thought, Me, a dirt-poor, public school kid, could actually beat out the rich kids! Shiny brass couldn't touch me.

I smiled at my little secret. But when I saw the smug looks of accomplishment on their faces, my relief vanished. The pressure on me leaped. The room started to spin. But I could still see their taunting looks. The demons.

Who was I kidding? These kids could buy their way in, I thought. As my vision blurred, I began to doubt myself until imaginary laughter rose to a resounding forte.

Because of my panic, I lost my grip on my saxophone. My friend fell to the floor with a clatter that rivaled a crash cymbal's. I could feel real laughter waiting to tumble out.

I shut my eyes, not wanting to watch my tears fall.

"Hey, miss, you dropped this."

I carefully opened one eye to see a smiling girl holding out my sax. My eyes traveled up her arm and along the fabric of the sleeves. The cloth was unwrinkled and folded gracefully upon itself.

I took my saxophone from her and quickly looked down, ashamed of my battered appearance.

"Thanks," I muttered.

Instead of leaving she sat herself down next to me. She continued to smile at me and said, "Saxophones are delicate."

I just kept looking at her from the corner of my eye.

When I didn't respond her smiled faded a little bit. She turned her gaze to the ceiling. "Y'know, I always wanted to play the Alto Saxophone. It's such a bold, pretty instrument," she said wistfully. "But my mom made me take the violin."

I just stayed silent as she continued.

"Mom told me, 'It's not presentable for a lady to play such a large instrument.'" She wagged her finger in imitation and turned back to me. "Funny, isn't it?"

I didn't respond; she stopped talking. But after a minute or two, she asked, "I'm Melody Verity. What's your name?"

"Harmony Fortando," I mumbled.

"Well, I heard you warming up. I think you'll do excellent in this audition," she told me.

I smiled, although I doubt she saw it.

"Verity, Melody!"

Melody grabbed her polished violin and bow and, after bid me good luck, skipped over to the judge. The door closed after her.

I wonder how she plays, I thought after a minute. Soon, I found myself sneaking up to the door and pressing my ear to it.

"Can I hear a d minor scale?" a muffled voice requested.

"Sure thing!" That was Melody's unmistakable sing-song voice.

As she began to play, I thought, Why would she want to play the saxophone? She's a natural with a bow!

"Now I'll listen to your audition piece."

"Alright."

I could feel the bow being placed on the strings. Slowly, she brought it across the violin. The music itself resonated her movements. With each note, I could feel her slender fingers holding down the strings. Each section told me exactly how that bow was brought across the instrument. I sat there, lost in the sea of notes. All was well.

Screech! I was brought back to the room with a single misstep. A mistake shocked every note before it out of my memory.

Feebly, the music started up again. But I could no longer hear her fingers or the sliding of the bow. The notes were silent.

What seemed too short a time after, Melody came out as her bouncy, smiling self.

I smiled back at her.

"Well, I think I did just fine," She told me. She didn't see my sad smile. "Oh! There's my aunt! Here's my number and address." Melody handed me a slip of paper. "Don't hesitate to call me!"

I waved as she walked away; she waved back. Once she was gone. I plopped myself onto my original chair. Everything was the same as before. I sighed and watched the rich kids audition.

I guess they were going through the alphabet backwards, or they were avoiding me. Either way, I was one of the last to be called.

"Fortando, Harmony!"

Halfheartedly, I picked up my old saxophone, which looked even duller than when I arrived, and followed the judge behind the door.

Standing that room, on a stage to be exact, made me feel tiny. As my footsteps fell in rhythm and echoed off the walls, I felt my worries grow smaller. There was no one, but me, the judge, and my saxophone friend.

"What are you auditioning for?"

I imitated Melody's confident smile "The alto saxophone."

"Play me a G major scale"

I put my lips to the mouthpiece and closed my eyes, hoping whoever had their ear to the door cloud feel my fingers release the keys. I hoped my notes sang as those one the violin.

It was all over too quickly, as I waited to be waved out the door, my new-found confidence wavered.

Even if I did play excellently, I'm just a poor, public school kid. I bounced on my heels. Will they really let me in?

"Miss Fortando?"

I gave what I hoped to be a hopeful smile.

The judge mirrored my smile.

You play fabulously. You will get your score and your results in the mail in a week's time. I hope you will be pleased with them."

I'm sure I looked so happy then. I bowed enthusiastically and thanked the judge for his time. I skipped out the door and packed my saxophone lovingly.

As I calmed myself down, I looked at my shoes.

They don't look as scuffed as they used to. I smiled. I guess I'm not as dirt poor as I thought I was.

I picked up my case and danced to the door.

Today, I made another friend. Today, even my tarnished saxophone played notes that shone like new.