At her nod, Angelica began one of her solo pieces from the last symphony. The haunting music filled the area and she glanced around, trying to gauge the reaction of the rest of the performers. Most were smiling. Odd how she could see everyone. When the song ended, applause was heartfelt.
Putting the violin in place a second time, she began Orange Blossom Special.
It was fast and furious and she’d have liked more practice but as she played the rest of the performers began clapping, whistling and calling encouragement. She relaxed and began to enjoy herself. Letting her gaze sweep the crowd she realized she was part of a gathering of people who shared the same love of music and made that love known. Halfway through someone yelled out, “Faster!”
She looked around, not sure who it was, but she’d give it her best. Increasing the tempo she met a roar of approval from everyone. Faster and faster she played the now familiar song until she reached the end.
The applause was amazing. She grinned and held her violin up like a trophy. Those sitting stood, the clapping went on and on and the calls for do it again began to swell.
Gina came to give her a hug.
“Always a crowd pleaser. Can you do it again?”
“Sure.”
It was more fun than anything she’d ever done with the violin. She played the song again and the crowd showed itsdelight. She’d never felt the give and take in a performance like she did today. It was heady beyond belief.
She sat down after that, even though several people asked for something else.
“Okay, let’s not overwhelm our guest,” Gina said with a broad smile. “She’ll play at the festival. Mary Margaret, you’re up next.”
“Don’t know if I want to follow her,” the librarian said with a smile for Angelica.
She had a guitar and soon began to sing a sad ballad of lost love.
Sam scooted over close to Angelica.
“Thank you for helping me,” he whispered.
She reached out and gave him a hug.
It’s my pleasure and delight.”
After everyone had played, Gina declared the rehearsal a success and scheduled one for the day before the event, when they’d play in order of the festival.
Rachel Tanner appeared for Sam. When she heard Angelica would have to call Kirk for a ride, she insisted on taking her home.
“Mom, I did good. And everyone clapped,” Sam said, jumping excitedly.
“He did amazing. We all loved it,” Angelica said when she was in the truck, the little boy between her and his mom, both violin cases in her lap.
“Webb Francis said he has some aptitude for it. Thank you for letting him practice even with Webb Francis gone,” Rachel Tanner said. “We sure do appreciate it.”
“He’ll go far if he wants,” Angelica said.
Was this how her professors felt when she achieved some honor? When they knew they’d been instrumental in helping her along such a demanding career?
She was as happy for Sam as she was for her own performance.
“Miss Cannon played Orange Blossom Special and then she played it really fast.”
“I love that song. That’s your piece for the festival?” Rachel asked.
“Yes, one of them. And one from a classical selection.”
“You’ll be a big hit with that one. I’ll love to hear one of the songs you play in New York,” she said.
Angelica was pleased with the way the day had gone. Very different from the rehearsals for the orchestra.
